Description

Immediate dispatch from Somerset. Nice older book in good condition. Pages in good condition. Hardcover. English. See images for condition.

About the book >.>.> The Art of Small-Scale Mastery: Design in Miniature Miniature design captivates precisely because it distills creativity into its most potent form?where every millimeter matters. In Design in Miniature David Gentleman a luminary of graphic design and wood engraving unveils the meticulous craft behind crafting tiny yet iconic objects: coins postage stamps matchbox labels pillboxes and more. This book is not merely a study of scale but a celebration of how constraint breeds innovation where simplicity and precision converge to create enduring visual impact. From Concept to Microcosm Gentleman demystifies the process of designing for diminutive canvases revealing how success hinges on stripping away excess while amplifying clarity. Whether compressing narrative into a postage stamp or balancing aesthetics and function on a coin?s surface he demonstrates how miniature design demands both technical rigor and artistic audacity. A Journey Through Hidden Histories Beyond practical techniques the book traverses fascinating byways of design history: The evolution of trade symbols from medieval merchants? marks to modern corporate logos. Thomas Bewick?s pioneering wood engravings whose intricate small-scale artistry revolutionized printmaking. The role of printers? flowers (decorative typographic elements) in ex libris labels and tickets. Security printing?s secrets including engine-turned patterns and pendulum-drafting machines used in banknotes?a marriage of art and anti-counterfeiting ingenuity. Wood Engraving: A Timeless Medium A cornerstone of the book explores wood engraving?s unique suitability for miniature work. Gentleman a master of the craft illuminates its precision and versatility showcasing how this centuries-old technique breathes life into modern designs. His own engravings celebrated internationally serve as both case study and inspiration. Stamps: A Designer?s Playground The volume dedicates significant attention to postage stamps a realm where Gentleman reigns supreme. Over decades he has redefined British stamp design blending historical motifs bold typography and narrative vignettes into tiny yet transcendent artworks. His prolific output?a fusion of national identity and micro-art?cements his status as a modern pioneer in this niche. Why This Book Resonates Design in Miniature transcends its subject matter appealing to: Designers and illustrators seeking insight into scaling big ideas into small formats. Historians and collectors intrigued by the evolution of everyday ephemera. Curious minds drawn to the hidden stories behind objects often overlooked. Gentleman?s prose paired with rich visual examples transforms technical discourse into a lyrical exploration. His dual lens as practitioner and historian offers readers not just instruction but a philosophy: that miniature design in its quiet brilliance holds a mirror to the broader principles of artistry itself. For anyone captivated by the intersection of form function and fascination this book is a masterclass in thinking small to achieve the extraordinary. (LL)