This spring sees the launch of an exciting new publishing company with a passionate commitment to international culture, design and decorative art. At the London Book Fair in April, this new venture FIELL, will unveil its first list of quality illustrated books that embrace an enticing range of disciplines – from architecture to graphic design and popular culture.
While the company may be new, the pedigree of the founders is impeccable. Charlotte and Peter Fiell are two of the best known names in the world of international design, with over 20 years experience as the authors of many intelligent, beautifully written illustrated books on design and style that are required reading for any design aficionado. Previously at Taschen, Charlotte and Peter are regarded as leading authorities on 20th and 21st century design with over 30 titles to their names. They are the authors of several design ‘bibles’ including 1000 Chairs, Design of the 20th Century and Industrial Design A-Z and their experience of producing books that are informative, entertaining and inspirational is second to none. These are titles that will enhance the bookshelves of anyone with an interest in global style and culture.
The first spring list from FIELL will comprise seven titles, reflecting the eclectic tastes of the Fiells themselves, ranging from a much anticipated look at iconic designs for the home, to a mini book that deals with shocking facts about food. But while the titles themselves might be diverse, each book emphasises the Fiells’ dedication to producing books of the highest quality in terms of production, content and value. In order to make the list as accessible to as many people as possible, the list is being launched internationally with many of the titles containing trilingual text in English, French and German. All the titles will be published on 6th May and available from bookshops and online.
PLASTIC DREAMS
Charlotte and Peter Fiell
A lavishly illustrated reference book that looks at this most versatile of materials, from classic designs from the 1920s in Bakelite to the latest technopolymers of today. Over 120 landmark designs are featured, from Wells Coates’ AD 65 radio to Konstanin Gric’s MYTO stacking chair. There is also an accompanying introductory essay that details the history of plastics and their role in industrial design. The book comes with a specially designed slipcase by Edson Matsuo of Melissa, the Brazilian company that is famous for its plastic shoes and collaborations with designers such as Zaha Hadid, and is set to become a collector’s item.
TOOLS FOR LIVING: A SOURCEBOOK OF ICONIC DESIGNS FOR THE HOME
Charlotte and Peter Fiell
If you’ve ever wrestled with a badly designed desk light or wished you had bought a different set of bath taps, you will welcome the publication of this book which reveals the ultimate things designed for the home, from chefs knives to home office furniture. Many of the objects featured have become design classics which are still in production. This comprehensive source book features them all with full descriptions of their historical relevance and design credentials.
CUSTOM LETTERING OF THE 60S AND 70S
Edited by Rian Hughes
Before the days of computers and Letraset, custom lettering was hand-drawn, allowing designers full rein with their imaginations. This title celebrates the beautiful and stylistically diverse lettering that was prevalent in the 60s and 70s in headlines, with over 4,500 examples collected by graphic designer Rian Hughes and will swiftly become required reading for anyone involved in the graphic design as well as devotees of the Swinging Sixties and Psychedelic Seventies.
RICHARD ROGERS + ARCHITECTS: FROM THE HOUSE TO THE CITY
Creator of some of the world’s most iconic buildings, from the Pompidou Centre in Paris, designed with Renzo Piano, to the Lloyd’s Building in London, Richard Rogers can rightfully claim to be one of the most innovative and influential architects of the past fifty years. This book examines his work, from the 60s and 70s to the present day, with sections devoted to the various architectural themes that define his work: legible; transparent; lightweight; systems; green; urban and public with sections on both his early work and work in progress.
THE LITTLE BOOK OF SHOCKING FOOD FACTS
Craig Holden Feinberg and Dale Petersen
“More than 10 million children die every year and the underlying cause for most of these deaths is starvation”
This is just one of many alarming and thought provoking truths in a small book that is jam- packed with information that has been meticulously gleaned from some of the world’s most authoritative scientific reports and government studies. Illustrated with striking graphic images, this will make the reader consider more deeply our food and food production methods.
THE LITTLE BOOK OF SHOCKING GLOBAL FACTS
Barnbrook Studio
“Just one percent of China’s 561 million urban inhabitants breathe air considered to be safe by the World Health Organisation.”
Strong, innovative imagery combined with disturbing facts about our world make this an important manifesto for global change. Created by the world’s most respected graphic designer, Jonathan Barnbrook, this book looks at international issues such as military spending, health, education and business and concludes that globalisation without restraint can be a highly destructive force.
LIFESTYLE ILLUSTRATION OF THE 60S
Edited Rian Hughes
As we prepare to celebrate 50 years since the advent of the Swinging Sixties, this title is a timely reminder of the magazine artwork that defined this era, offering a fascinating insight into the social aspirations and sexual freedom of the time. With over 1000 gloriously inventive and diverse illustrations, graphic designer and illustrator Rian Hughes traces the progress of the 1960s, from romance and homemaking, to pop culture and mini skirts, capturing the spirit and optimism of the time.
The catalogue is available online at http://www.fiell.com/fiell-catalogue-international.pdf