Published on the occasion of the exhibition
British Folk Art
Tate Britain
10 June — 31 August 2014
Compton Verney, Warwickshire
27 September — 14 December 2014
This book is an accessible and richly illustrated look at a growing influence on popular culture which accompanies the major exhibition British Folk Art at Tate Britain.
Folk art is an established subject in many countries; however, in Britain the genre remains elusive, and this publication will accompany the first major survey of the subject. Rarely considered in the context of art history, ‘folk art’ has been viewed as part of social history or folklore studies.
This publication unites an extraordinary selection of objects, exploring the threshold between art and artefact and challenging perceptions of ’high art’. Surprising and diverse examples of British folk art will be illustrated, from rustic leather Toby jugs to brightly coloured ships’ figureheads and highly accomplished carousel horses.
While much folk art is anonymous, this book also presents works by a number of prominent individuals. Among these key figures are George Smart the tailor of Frant, eminent embroiderer Mary Linwood, ship carver and fairground artist Arthur Andersen, and Cornish painter Alfred Wallis. The in-depth discussions of these artists aim to reassess their position in art history, and to examine their often-neglected role in the story of art in Britain.
Edited by Martin Myrone, curator at Tate Britain and Jeff McMillan, artist.