Amazon.co.uk
It presents itself as a survey of cutting-edge London domestic interior design, but
London Interiors is first and foremost a shameless coffee-table gawp-fest. It's a large, heavy book, lavishly illustrated with photographs of over 40 idiosyncratic residences. Jane Edwards' accompanying captions (Angelika Taschen appears merely to have presided over their assembly) manage to be breathless in three languages, no mean feat. The famous, the ambitious, the shameless and the plain exhibitionistic invite us into their lovely homes. Nothing wrong with that, and it must be said that the variety of decors on display is quite breathtaking. Really, it's amazing what some people are prepared to do (or put up with) for the sake of standing out. Indeed, it would not be unfair to call most of the individuals featured here obsessives to some degree or other. Marvel, therefore, at the tawdry pub kitsch of Noel and Meg's flamboyant "rock and roll mansion", Supernova Heights. Worry about the majestically anal minimalism of John Pawson's home. Think seriously about whether you'd care to fill your loft with stacks of plastic Allied Bakery crates as Michael Landy has done. Wonder whether Christian de Falbe, in his flat stuffed with brocade cushions, leopard-print mirror frames and bunches of ostrich feathers, ever manages to dust. But as for using
London Interiors as a practical source of decorating ideas, could you honestly say you yearned for surroundings so stylised, so self-consciously a statement about your tastes and preferences? You could? Then buy this book. --
Robin Davidson
London, staid London, becomes probably the most provocative, diametrically opposed city in the world when its living interiors are exposed. Edwards shows off her skills in this portfolio of 42 mainly urban spaces. Most owners are in the arts (or a related industry), in love with color, and experts at eclecticism. There's a male trio who believe in crowning all of their stuffed animals. An admitted spokesperson of the underworld surrounds himself (and his family) with suitably garish and kitsch furnishings. And the book pays tribute to Margaret Tyler, owner of the largest stash of royal memorabilia in the nation (if not anywhere in the world). Exuberant color photographs and minimalist text make for a repeatable and enjoyable viewing experience.
Barbara JacobsCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved