Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

The world can never get enough of wonderful Italy and all things Italian. The famed ceramics of Deruta are certainly no exception. The first comprehensive book to celebrate the design and evolution of this extraordinary art form, Deruta is exquisitely illustrated with over 150 colorful photographs of coveted "majolica." The author and photographers, working with Melanie Doherty, who was a designer in Italy for several years, dramatically portray the splendors of this living tradition. We see the finest examples of Deruta tableware and tilework as well as garden decorations, fa?ades, altars, and architectural details. While some pieces are highly collectible, others are inexpensive and perfect for everyday use. Deruta also includes profiles of the artisans' studios and a gallery of their work, as well as evocative black-and-white photos of the hill town they call home. With a history of the craftan artistic heritage more than six centuries oldthis singular volume is a musthave for collectors and for anyone inspired by Deruta ceramics, decorative art pieces that evoke the spirit of the Italian countryside.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Library Journal Review

These two stunning books differ in style and technique yet complement each other in beauty and execution. The first, published for the centenary of the New York State College of Ceramics in Alfred, is an exquisite and informative exhibition catalog celebrating the life and work of Charles Fergus Binns, a master potter, teacher, and founding director of the college. Introductory essays focus on Binns's career at the Royal Worcester Porcelain Works in England, the origins of the college, his successful combination of technical and artistic development, and his glazing techniques and Oriental influences. The book includes a catalogue raisonné of the exhibition. Color plates featuring 60 of the celebrated pieces serve as a visual introduction to the exhibit, while the rest of the photographs document Binns, his works, and the college. A third section of brief essays highlights the lives of 11 of Binns's most notable students, all masters in their own right. Deruta celebrates the achievements of the Umbrian hillside town celebrated since the 16th century for the colorfully glazed Italian ceramic pottery known as majolica. The book opens with a focus on the history of the town from the Middle Ages to the present, then moves on to detail the traditional production techniques and methods of decoration in use for centuries. The final section highlights the work of six family production studios in Deruta today. The book is generously illustrated with photos of these bold and vibrant works of art. Both titles are highly recommended for public and academic libraries alike.‘Stephen Allan Patrick, East Tennessee State Univ. Lib., Johnson City (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist Review

Italophiles, majolica fans, and even design aficionados could linger over the pages of this produced-with-passion book from Minchilli and her design and photographer cohorts. For many reasons, this book excels. First, it grounds readers in Italian ceramics history beyond simple ceramics production, particularly in how the Umbrian hill town of Deruta began and continued its recorded life. Second, the author teaches about manufacturing with great visuals and few words and certainly no preaching. And from her expertise arises the third element of her book's excellence, which is her focus on a sampling of today's artisans--including Franco Mari, Antonio Margaritelli, and Francesca Niccacci--and certain workshops that fashion exquisitely different yet related majolica. Educational, inspiring, and worth more than mere coffee-table status. --Barbara Jacobs

Author notes provided by Syndetics

David Hamilton was born in London, England on April 15, 1933. During World War II, he was evacuated to Dorset, but returned to London for school. Afterward, he worked for an architect. Later, he was a graphic designer for Elle magazine in Paris, an art director of Queen magazine, and an art director for the Printemps department store.

He was a photographer whose images of prepubescent girls blurred the line between art and pornography. He directed five erotic movies that largely centered on blossoming sexuality in flower-crowned girls including Bilitis in 1977. His work appeared in more than two dozen books. He was recently accused of raping underaged models during his career. He committed suicide on November 25, 2016 at the age of 83.

(Bowker Author Biography)