Watercolour

Watercolour has long been seen as a distinctive part of the British cultural heritage, with artists from Britain widely acknowledged to be among its greatest exponents. At the same time it is a universal medium, used around the world by enthusiastic amateurs as well as by professional artists. What can watercolour achieve in terms of technique and expression that no other media can? And why is it so central to Britain's idea of itself?

This book explores the art of watercolour from its beginnings in medieval illuminated manuscripts, cartography and early botanical illustration, through the 'Golden Age' of British watercolour and the radical experiments of the Symbolists, right up to its rediscovery by contemporary artists such as Tracey Emin and Anish Kapoor today. While it includes classic works by famous names including J.M.W. Turner, William Blake, Thomas Girtin and Samuel Palmer, it also features many less familiar figures, raising questions about British art and identity as well as examining the techniques and processes involved in watercolour itself.

Edited by a leading expert in British art, with contributions from other specialists, this visually stunning book casts new light on an outstanding British artistic tradition.

Alison Smith is Curator, Head of Acquisitions, British Art to 1900 at Tate Britain.

Contributors are Thomas Ardill, Anna Austen, Tabitha Barber, David Blayney Brown, Karen Hearn, Matthew Imms, Nicola Moorby, Philippa Simpson and Katharine Stout.

• Dimensions 265 x 215 mm
• Author Alison Smith
• ISBN 978 1 85437 913 9
• Paperback Yes
• Number of illustrations 170 colour illustrations
• Publisher Tate Publishing
• No of pages 208 pp