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British folk art

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Folk art is an established subject in many countries; however, in Britain the genre remains elusive.

Rarely considered in the context of art history, folk art has previously been viewed as part of social history or folklore studies.

This publication accompanies the first major survey of the subject and unites an extraordinary selection of objects, exploring the threshold between art and artefact and challenging perceptions of 'high art'.

British Folk Art showcases the rich diversity of art made beyond the mainstream over the centuries.

Beautifully illustrating an array of exceptional objects from throughout the United Kingdom, from monumental trade signs and carvings, to ornate embroideries and quilts, ships' figureheads, idiosyncratic collages and paintings, this book provides an illuminating introduction to this long-neglected subject.

Rare archive images suggest the contexts in which these extraordinary objects were made and the people who made them - whether amateurs or craft workers, soldiers or sailors. In this fascinating survey Ruth Kenny and Martin Myrone, together with artist Jeff McMillan, trace the history and fortunes of the idea of folk art, and explore questions about high and low culture, the mainstream and the margins.

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Product Details
Tate Publishing
1849762643 / 9781849762649
Paperback / softback
01/08/2014
United Kingdom
English
144 pages : illustrations (black and white, and colour)
25 cm
General (US: Trade) Learn More
Published to accompany the exhibitions of the same name held at Tate Britain, 10th June-31st August, 2014; and at Compton Verney, Warwickshire, 27th September-14th December, 2014.