Press Reviews

The Art Newspaper
Andrew Lambirth

A gifted draftsman, watercolorist and designer, Ravilious was much in demand in his lifetime, then went completely out of fashion. His watercolours now command high prices and books about him tend to be costly. It’s thus a relief to find an inexpensive Ravilious publication so beautifully produced. Containing 22 full-page colour plates, the book dwells on Sussex and the South Downs, which remained an inspiration for the artist. James Russell’s writing has the clarity and concision of the paintings, and is both properly informative and enjoyably readable. The reproductions include lesser-known pictures as well as old favourites such as Beachy Head, 1939. The sheer power of Ravilious’ design brings a joyful crispness and snapping energy to his work. Glorious.

The Lady
Hugh St-Clair

Publisher Tim Mainstone has been instrumental in putting the watercolours of Eric Ravilious back on the map with his beautifully designed books with accompanying text. Ravilious in Pictures: A Country Life shows paintings of the countryside around Castle Hedingham in Essex, where Ravilious lived.

Eastern Daily Press
Ian Collins

A lovely and melancholy new volume called Ravilious in Pictures: The War Paintings, with an engaging text by James Russell, is the latest venture by the Mainstone Press of Norfolk and an ideal Christmas gift.

Association of Illustrators
Derek Brazell

Brighton has maintained its reputation as a cool seaside town for a long time, and many of us have an impression of what it looks like, even if we’ve not visited it ourselves. This handsomely bound book reproduces Piper’s original aquatint production, showing how Brighton looked at the end of the 1930s, and Alan Powers’ text reveals how the town may have ended up looking quite different if those who thought that the Regency buildings (an essential part of its current appeal) were looking a bit old fashioned had had their way, and demolished them for new building projects.