Anova Books

Starting with the basic blocks for skirts and bodices (and also a jacket and trouser block), Gillian Holman shows you how to add the refinements, such as necklines, collars, sleeves, yokes, flounces, pleats, peg tops, pockets, and crossovers. Each design element is accompanied by sketches and patterns. It is a step-by-step introduction to the techniques of pattern cutting for fashion students and amateur dressmakers.

A classic text from the turn of the 20th century, by Ernest E. Clark, has been heavily revised and expanded by the former president of the Society of Botanical Artists to produce a stunning handbook of a range of plants. Each plant is illustrated with detailed botanical drawings and a painting, which may come from historic sources, from a contemporary work or feature an interesting medium. Together, it provides a fantastic reference for anyone looking for help in accurate botanical drawing and also in bringing a freshness to their botanical painting. The plants covered include the Anemone, the Ash tree, through the homely Buttercup, Daisy and Dandelion, the showy Dahlia and Gladiolus, the celebratory Holly, Ivy and Mistletoe and the grand Oak, Rose and Lily. Over 60 of our favourite flowers and plants are covered, plus a special section on leaf forms. The text includes clear botanical descriptions to accompany each botanical drawing and also detailed information on the painting techniques and composition for each of the paintings. An absolutely beautiful book that is also a wonderful handbook for all botanical painters who need extra reference with their plant portraits.

Over 25 stunning and historically accurate patterns for retro swimwear, from 1880 to 1970. Features demure 1920s costumes with tunic and drawers, knitted patterns from the 1940s, 1960s halterneck bikinis in bold geometric prints, and much more. Includes fully annotated patterns and photographs of each garment, plus two projects with step-by-step instructions. Featuring over 25 swimming costumes, two-piece garments and bikinis from 1880 to 1970, these fabulous and historically accurate patterns chart the progression of swimwear over the last 130 years, including garments for women, men and children. The fully annotated patterns are accompanied by photographs and practical advice on any techniques or alterations necessary for making up the garments. The book also features two projects with step-by-step instructions. Fashion students and historians will find the period details and historical background of each garment an invaluable resource, while the patterns are perfect for any costume designer working for stage or screen.

From the sculpted topiary at Hidcote Manor to spectacular summer container planting at Powis Castle and stylish contemporary border planting at Packwood House, the gardens of the National Trust are a fantastic source of inspiration for gardeners of all standards. In this book, keen gardener and design historian Jacq Barber shows how different elements in the National Trust's gardens can be applied to your garden — whether it is large space, courtyard or just a balcony. National Trust Head Gardeners give unique insights and tips throughout, showing you how to apply their expertise to reinterpret your garden while still retaining your own individual creative style. With chapters on how to introduce design elements of structure and texture, what to plant in each season to bring colour to your garden throughout the year, how to use various water features and imaginative plant combinations for pots and containers, along with advice on delicious edible planting and creating wild flower gardens. This practical guide is a sumptuously illustrated, inspirational source of creative ideas that can be adopted and adapted to suit all gardens, no matter what their size, shape or budget.

A neat collection of 1950s pattern, this book covers the heyday of postwar design where an analytical approach to design, with a lightness and freshness, combined with whimsical imagery and idiosyncratic subject matter. The designs and influences of the print gurus of the time — Lucienne Day, Robert Stewart and Maija Isola of Marimekko — are all covered. The creativity of the period — the beginning of the atomic age — is given full expression in this sourcebook of hundreds of designs. It is an essential sourcebook for contemporary design practitioners and students. The book contains exclusive illustrations and original artwork from designers as well as finished prints. Each short chapter introduction is followed by a range of illustrations with captions to give provenance and relevance. The patterns are arranged in the following chapters: Narrative and Novelty (prints from cowboys to spacemen); Abstraction (abstracted, distorted and attenuated forms used in pattern); Artistic license (the influence of artists such as Miro and de Kooning on fashion print); Kinetic prints that showed the influence of the era's 'mobiles, doodles and spasms'.

365 Reasons To Be Proud To Be Scottish is a year-long scenic route of jollyness taking in the quirky events, inventions, traditions, people, places and characters that make Scotland a country worth celebrating every day of the year. Has there ever been a more eccentric, creative, inventive and passionate race than the Scottish? We don't think so and 365 Reasons To Be Proud To Be Scottish proves it brilliantly. In the book you'll find a historical year's worth of the discoveries, delights and derring-do that make Scotland a place to love and cherish, a place of wonder and a country that attracts 13 million people through its doors each year. From the hallowed halls of St Andrews University — the first in Scotland (and, in 2013, celebrating its 600th birthday!) — to the glorious slopes of Edinburgh's streets; from the magical monster myths of loch landscapes to the ancient highland whisky makers; from inventors Alexander Graham Bell to brave knights such as William Wallace — Scotland is amazing, every single day of the year. Word count: 35,000.

Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of London's Underground, or as it is affectionately referred to, the Tube. Though this isn't the usual side of the Tube the tourists, travellers and residents see. (Though, of course, they do see a great deal of strangeness in their daily commutes!). This is the real Underground, the strange and twisted nooks and crannies of what happens hundreds of metres below millions of London legs — from its peculiar past through to its paranormal present and looking forward to its fascinating future. Following on from the bestselling Portico Strangest titles now comes a book devoted to London's globally envied, and much loved, public transport system. Located deep beneath the heart of Greater London, the Underground is awash with more strangeness than you can shake your pre-paid Oyster card at. In 2013 the whole city will be celebrating the Underground's 150th birthday — the oldest underground in the world. So, pack up your old kit bag and travel stop-by-stop with us on this strange and fantastic journey along the Northern, Picadilly, Metropolitan, Jubilee, Hammersmith and City and District Line ...and explore the Underground as you've never seen it before. London Underground's Strangest Tales is a treasure trove of the humorous, the odd and the baffling — an alternative travel guide to the Underground's best-kept secrets. Read on, if you dare! You have been warned.

A great book to express your creative fashion urges, with doodling, drawing and colouring exercises to fill in. Fashion illustrator and lecturer Frances Moffatt provides suggestions and half-filled page of drawings and doodles for you to continue with sections on Designing your own fashion label, your own fashion tights, mix up your celebrity hairstyles, add them to your family drawings, create your own fashion patterns, Endless exercises to get the creative juices going and birng out the fashionista in you. For too long creative idea books and colouring books were the preserve of children, but grown ups as well as teens can enjoy this book and help unleash their creative ideas. Whether it's a simple colouring-in piece, or a more considered drawing, the suggestions in this book offer something for everyone and encourages them to make the book about their own style. It can be used by anyone, from an artist or designer looking to get the creative juices going to mum at home. A creative book for everyone.

Countrywise Kitchen proved one of the most popular food series of 2010, with viewing figures regularly hitting over 4 million when it aired on ITV1 primetime. Now, for the first time, its co-presenter and chef Mike Robinson brings you the best recipes of the 2010 and 2011 series — plus dishes from its sister show Countrywise, which is now entering its third series. There are lots of recipes for cooking with country ingredients, from partridge to chicken, lamb to pork, salmon to mackerel, blackberries to plums. Stews, roasts and soups sit alongside cakes, puddings and jams in this accessible cookbook that celebrates the best of British ingredients in dishes that herald from far and wide — from a roast shoulder of pork to a Thai noodle soup. All the recipes are simple to prepare and even those with the most surprising flavours are created from everyday ingredients that can be bought from the supermarket. Packed with information on selecting the best ingredients, eating seasonally and foraging, this book is an invaluable source of information as well as a delicious collection of recipes.

The National Trust has the finest collection of gardens ever assembled under one ownership — the greatest in number, diversity, historic importance and quality. Taken together they contain the world's most important collection of cultivated plants, distinguished for their beauty, rarity, historical interest and scientific value. This edition has been substantially revised to showcase superb new photography and to introduce recently acquired properties, such as Sheringham Park in Norfolk or Wordsworth House in Cumbria, along with fascinating pratical gardening guides from the Trust's expert head gardeners. Stephen Lacey paints a vivid picture of individual Trust gardens through historical and horticultural perspectives. He gives his personal take, describing the present state of each and placing it firmly within the context of gardening history in Britain. All the major periods are represented: a knot garden from a 1640 design at Moseley Old Hall in Staffordshire; magnificent eighteenth-century landscapes such as 'Capability' Brown's at Petworth in Sussex; Victorian Gardens like Biddulph Grange in Staffordshire, with its wealth of new plants introduced from all over the world; and the famous plantsmen's gardens of the last century, such as Nymans in Sussex, Sissinghurst Castle in Kent, and Hidcote in Gloucestershire.

Following the success of Fantasy Workshop, Fantasy Creatures and Manga, the ImagineFX team have turned their expertise to Sci-Fi art for digital artists who want to progress to the next level. With reference to creative painting programs (including Photoshop, Illustrator and Corel Painter), the book explains, with the help of step-by-step instructions, Q&A's, screen grabs, how to progress from basic 'pencil' roughs to first stage line art and, ultimately, finished colour art. Creating all sorts of amazing Sci-Fi characters, futurescapes and stunning scenarios using the very latest expert techniques, you'll soon be able to design your own digital paintings and first-class Sci-Fi art.

The Art of Taxidermy is a contemporary look at an historical and controversial subject — a sumptuous photographic led exploration of the genre's history, uses and modern applications. Taxidermy courses are enjoying a renewed surge of popularity and this book is poised to offer the new wave of enthusiasts a beautiful volume on the subject. Well-researched text covering aspects of the artform's history, including hunting trophies, museums displays, its use in media and film, interior decoration and the work of contemporary artists reinventing an age-old technique is complemented by stunning photography. This fascinating book will make an ideal gift for both those with a passing interest in taxidermy and art enthusiasts alike.

Following on from the bestselling Strangest title London's Strangest Tales comes Kent's Strangest Tales — a book devoted to the weird and wonderful side of the home county many people believe is the 'The Garden of England'. Located on the bottom of the Old Man of England's bottom, Kent is a county with more strangeness than you can shake a strange-shaped stick at. Home to historically-rich towns such as Canterbury, Rochester, Maidstone and Ramsgate, Kent can lay claim to some very strange goings-on indeed. From Chaucer's legendary tales of debauchery and naughtiness to Mick and Keef's very first meeting on a rocking 'n' rolling Dartford train. Kent has it all — coast, ghosts, castles, treasures, pirates, Britain's oldest highway and, lest could we forget, the old lady who tricked the Luftwaffe. Kent's Strangest Tales is a treasure trove of the hilarious, the odd and the baffling — an alternative travel guide to some of the county's best-kept secrets that date back many thousands of years. Read on, if you dare! You have been warned.

Liverpool Then and Now takes the reader on a journey through a city once considered the 'second city of empire'. So great was the volume of commerce flowing through the port of Liverpool in the nineteenth century that it sometimes eclipsed London. This wealth produced many fine buildings, giving rise to a second Bank of England building, the classical architecture of St George's Hall- today the Walker Art Gallery-and Liverpool's 'three graces'; the Liver, the Cunard and the Port of Liverpool buildings. Some 70 historic photographs of Liverpool's past are paired with specially commissioned contemporary views taken from the same vantage point. You can see the same streets and buildings as they were 'then' and as they are 'now'. It includes Lord Street, Albert Dock, Speke Airport, Goodison, Anfield, Lime Street Station, the Mersey Tunnel, plus the ferry across the Mersey and the place where it was famously celebrated in song, The Cavern. There are also some of Liverpool's closest neighbours, Birkenhead, New Brighton, Bootle, Port Sunlight and the glorious Victorian promenades of Southport. Part of the bestselling 'Then and Now' series, this charming contrast of old and new photographs highlights the stunning changes — and the equally amazing similarities — of one of the most loved cities in Britain, its well-known places but also some of its hidden gems.

A stunning survey of modern illustration that uses older styles of artistic expression to evoke a sense of another time and place. These vintage-style illustrations play with the past, subvert it, on occasion, but always feel fresh. Organized into 12 chapters by historical or cultural period, the book features hundreds of the best examples of modern retro illustration including styles as varied as Constructivist, Dada and Art Noveau. From work showing the ornamentation of Victorian fonts, the stylized angles of Art Deco, the lines of soviet poster art, the influence of Saul Bass and Blue Note record sleeves to the new slant on photorealism, and the renaissance of punk and comic art. Hundreds of artists from all over the world have contributed to a beautiful, witty and inspiring collection of vintage illustration that will inspire designers, illustrators and artists working today.

An exciting approach to botanical illustration featuring exotic and extraordinary plant specimens. Striking plants, flowers, fruits and vegetables provide new challenges in colour, texture and form. Stunning finished paintings accompany simple instructions and step-by-step projects for a beautiful book that both guides and inspires. Strange and unusual specimens have never been more accessible — as more and more exotic fruit and vegetables appear regularly in our shopping baskets and our florists fill with flowers from every corner of the globe, this practical and beautiful guide to capturing strange and striking plants on paper has never been more timely. There is something for beginners and more experienced botanical illustrators alike, whether you wish to paint more familiar bananas, pineapples and other exotic fruits that are now widely available, or more complex orchids and even carnivorous plants. Acclaimed artists Rosie Martin and Meriel Thurstan (authors of the bestselling Contemporary Botanical Illustration and Botanical Illustration Course) run the popular botanical painting course at the Eden Project and are thus uniquely placed for this exciting take on the genre. The unusual colours and complex textures of exotic plants present a new challenge to the botanical artist, but this book guides you through each stage of the painting process with plenty of exercises and step-by-step projects. Fantastically illustrated with worksheets, colour swatches, sketches and stunning finished paintings this practical and inspirational guide is a must-have for botanical artists of all levels.

Following the success of Fantasy Workshop and Fantasy Creatures, the ImagineFX team have turned their expertise to Manga Art for fantasy artists who want to progress to the next level. With reference to creative painting programs (including Photoshop, Illustrator and Corel Painter), the book explains, with the help of step-by-step instructions and screen grabs, how to progress from basic 'pencil' roughs to first stage line art and ultimately finished colour art. Creating all sorts of amazing Manga characters, scenes and close-ups using the very latest techniques, you'll soon be able to design your own digital paintings and first-class Manga art.

A dandy, a crooner and an actor, talented and scandalous, as close to the Kennedys as to the underworld barons, Frank Sinatra fascinates. Coming from a small town in New Jersey, the bad boy married Ava Gardner and conquered Hollywood, starring in over 60 films and winning an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 1953 for his role in From Here to Eternity. It's thanks to music, however, that his talent gained worldwide recognition. Nicknamed 'The Voice' by the international press, Sinatra imposed his unique style and sold over 150 million albums in his 62-year career. Sinatra can be seen as a monumental artist. His life is summed up in one of his first hits: 'Nothing but the Best'; he was always associated with the best composers, best musicians and best arrangers. In his personal life it was also the best vintage wine, the most beautiful women and all the extravagant luxury that accompanies a superstar (and some would say a bad boy's) life. Frank Sinatra, Life in Pictures recalls this exceptional journey through a captivating biography and rare and intimate photographs.

Along with Blue Note records, the Prestige, Atlantic, Contemporary and Pacific and Riverside Labels were the chief providers of America's East and West Coast sounds on vinyl. The hard-edged, straight ahead playing of New York's jazz musicians was perfectly reflected in the moody, monochromatic photography, quirky graphics and bold typography of the record covers: the look, like the sound, was intelligent, disciplined and sophisticated. On the West, the bright colours and playful themes expressed the funky sounds of the US's cool, california cool. For the first time ever, Coast to Coast Album Covers brings the two together under one very cool roof.

An essential book for all those working with fashion and design, particularly fashion print design. It covers all the techniques for the creation of fashion prints using the most popular software, Photoshop and Illustrator. With step-by-step instructions and handy screen grabs, find out how to: scan in hand-drawn motifs or illustration and rework into a digital pattern; work with colour; create stripes, checks and geometric prints, with the secret of seamless repeats; and how to prepare your prints for development onto real fabric and garments. Contains tips and tricks from the professionals and a wealth of inspirational images from some of the best print designers working today.

From 1920s French knickers to 1950s pin-up brassieres, these fabulous vintage pieces chart the progression of lingerie over the last 120 years. The book covers a range of fascinating garments, including 1890s corsets, 1940s garter belts and basques, 1950s New Look girdles, brassieres, knickers and much more. The book includes 25 fully annotated working patterns alongside drawings, photographs and practical advice on any feature or alteration necessary for making up the garments. For any costume designer working on stage or screen, the historically accurate patterns are an essential for capturing the classic shapes of any period. Fashion students and historians will find the period details and historical background of each garment an invaluable resource. Whether you need to construct a historically accurate period garment or simply wish to channel your inner 1950s starlet, this is the book for you.

Following the huge success of The Art of Faery, published in 2003, the collaborators have come together once more to bring you this stunning new collection from some of the best fairy artists working today. The World of Faery introduces you to talented new artists alongside those returning from the last collection to share their recent work, their projects and aspirations and their intoxicating love of all things Fairy. All mediums are represented in a rich display: watercolour, pen and ink, oil and pastel, as well as digitally produced and photographic art. Contributors include Amy Brown, Linda Ravenscroft, Hazel Brown, Marc Potts, Stephanie Pui-Mun Law, Josephine Wall, and many more. This book has huge appeal and will be loved by all fairy fans, children and fantasy art enthusiasts.

A handy sourcebook of 400 Japanese-style motifs — one of the most stylish genres of illustration and ideal for all kinds of creative work. The motifs cover Japanese animals, from cranes and Koi carp to cats and dragons; Japanese plants, such as cherry blossom and bamboo, plus Japanese patterns that range from the simple to the elaborately exotic. The stunning hand-drawn motifs — which are all included on the accompanying CD — are ideal for all those working creatively. Whether you are a quilter, embroiderer, woodworker, designer or general crafter, there is a motif for you here.

From their first Top Of the Pops to out-takes from It's My Life, Queen: On Camera, Off Guard includes a fantastic selection of images from one of the world's best-loved supergroups. Featuring pictures from 1969 to 1982, the images include the first ever photographs of Freddie Mercury as a performer with Ibex in Bolton in June 1969 taken by songwriter Chris Smith who recounts his experiences of the night. Further early images of Mercury include pictures taken at Ealing Art College and outside his flat in Shepherd's Bush where Queen's first official photo session took place in 1973. Images from their first Japanese tour, from The Fat Bottomed Girls cover shoot, on tour in South America with Mercury's boyfriend and many many more allow us to get closer to Mercury and the rest of the band than any previous book. Furthermore, many of the photographers of these amazing images give their insights and stories, providing an intimate insight into Queen backstage, onstage and at play.