the modernist

Artists' Bookmarket 2025.mp4

We'll be at the Artists' Bookmarket 2025 next weekend - Edinburgh’s annual celebration of art publishing. With a wide array of stalls, talks and workshops, there's certainly plenty to see and do. Come say hi!

It’s time for our first the modernist x BDP Talk of 2025, and who better kick things off other than Bruce Peter - Professor of Design History at the Glasgow School of Art. Bruce has an extensive background in modern architecture, design and naval architecture, and has previously advised on the preparation of the Victoria & Albert Museum’s Ocean Liners: Speed and Style exhibition. He is currently completing a book and exhibition project for Historic Environment Scotland entitled Art Deco Scotland: Design and architecture in the Jazz Age. Bruce’s presentation, will be based upon his recent book - Denmark in Britain: Architecture, Design and Lifestyle 1945-1970 (Peter Lang, 2023). Being half-Danish himself, Bruce will be discussing how Denmark’s image in Britain changed quickly from being associated primarily with the export of bacon and butter to being admired for Modernist architecture and design – so much so that in 1959, Danish architect Arne Jacobsen was commissioned to design the new St Catherine’s College at Oxford University without competition. Head to our website to find out more information and to book your place at the talk now. We’ll see you there!

closed for the holidays.mp4

the modernist magazine | issue 52 - Nuclear Available online and in-store now In this issue we look at both the visual culture that grew up around nuclear energy and some of the epic infrastructure that the harnessing of its energy necessitated. Infrastructure is represented by beautiful photo essays from Martine Hamilton Knight, who gets inside Nottingham War Rooms, Peter Williams, who looks at nuclear power stations in the landscape, and Nigel Green, who gets deep inside Dungeness power station. Also, no self-respecting publication on the theme of NUCLEAR could ignore Chernobyl, and Alka Murat takes us around Pripyat, the city that served the neighbouring power plant. Issue 52 will also be the last edited by Ashiya Eastwood as she is leaving us for pastures new. Since joining us in 2019, she has guided the modernist through twenty issues and many changes. the modernist would not be what it is today without her, and we are very grateful for her part in our story. Thank you Ashiya, you will be greatly missed.

2 Nuclear avail online now.mp4

the modernist magazine | issue 52 - Nuclear Available online and in-store now In this issue we look at both the visual culture that grew up around nuclear energy and some of the epic infrastructure that the harnessing of its energy necessitated. Infrastructure is represented by beautiful photo essays from Martine Hamilton Knight, who gets inside Nottingham War Rooms, Peter Williams, who looks at nuclear power stations in the landscape, and Nigel Green, who gets deep inside Dungeness power station. Also, no self-respecting publication on the theme of NUCLEAR could ignore Chernobyl, and Alka Murat takes us around Pripyat, the city that served the neighbouring power plant. Issue 52 will also be the last edited by Ashiya Eastwood as she is leaving us for pastures new. Since joining us in 2019, she has guided the modernist through twenty issues and many changes. the modernist would not be what it is today without her, and we are very grateful for her part in our story. Thank you Ashiya, you will be greatly missed.

final nuclear teaser 2.mp4

For our next issue of the modernist, we are going NUCLEAR, and whilst we hope it’s an explosive issue, we also hope there is no fallout from our decision. Although the power of atomic, and subsequently nuclear, energy only came of age halfway through the twentieth century, its invention and ominous presence dominated the second half of that century—both geopolitically and ideologically. Initially embraced as the epitome of modernity, its unbridled destructive power meant it transformed from a useful servant into an aggressive master, and the early, almost cartoonish image of its capabilities gave way to a more apocalyptic vision. We look at both the visual culture that grew up around nuclear energy and some of the epic infrastructure that the harnessing of its energy necessitated. Details on featured artists and collaborators soon to follow. the modernist magazine; issue 52 - Nuclear Coming soon

square vid call out for artists twitter and facebook.mp4

Got an idea for an exhibition? We want to hear from you! We’re looking for artists, collectors, collaborators and all-round creatives for our programme of rolling exhibitions in our small city centre gallery. Head to our website for more information and details on how to submit. https://buff.ly/3YT8e0h Good luck - we look forward to seeing your submissions. Images from past exhibitions, courtesy of Simon Phipps (Brutal North) and Sander van Heyden (ILLUMINATE - Architecture and Light).

Modernist Graphic Design in Britain 1945-1980.mp4

Our new book, Modernist Graphic Design in Britain: 1945-1980 by Ian McLaren and Tony Pritchard, is available online and in-store now. The years following the second world war in Britain saw the emergence of what has become known as graphic design. Designers of that period believed their efforts aligned with the rebuilding of society and its infrastructure. Despite acute austerity there was a very positive optimism to what they could contribute. Many challenged developments such as nuclear weapons; apartheid; and promoting trivial products. Modernist graphic design is characterised by visual attributes such as simple sans-serif typography, the dynamic use of space and grid systems, reductive drawing and cropped photography. Innovative technological advances are embraced, in a functional, economic, and rational ethos. The authors contend that much of British Modernist graphic design includes an under appreciated and unique sense of wit. The book is the first to provide a representative collection of a number of designers who made a significant and enduring contribution to British visual culture. With a limit of just 500 copies, this book is a must-have for all design enthusiasts.

Arrows of desire Nick Job.mp4

In this book, Nick Job charts the highs and lows of the British Rail symbol over the course of its colourful life, seeking to discover exactly what it is about the enigmatic ‘double arrow’ that appears to have guaranteed its prime position in the pantheon of all-time classic logos. https://buff.ly/3AlOPwr

bookshop.org.mp4

Looking for a book on architecture, graphics, typography, transport, furniture and product design? Look no further. https://buff.ly/46EaB90

Join @marlandstephen on a mooch around Wthenshawe with special access to the marvellous William Temple Church by George Pace. Saturday October 5th Click shop link in image to book.

Blackpool 09.24.mp4

There's a few places left for our architectural mooch in Blackpool this weekend - come along! Click link for more details. https://buff.ly/4e8Mmo2