BAUHAUS

The purpose of this richly illustrated book is to introduce readers to the fascinating world of the Bauhaus - one of the most influential currents of modern architecture and design - and the artistic masters that it included among its acolytes. Officially opened on 1 April 1919, the State Bauhaus Weimar's first and most celebrated director Walter Gropius declared "the ultimate aim of all creative activity is the building" and although it was eventually seized and sealed up by the secret state police in 1933, in its brief existence it challenged what was thought impossible and revolutionised the way people viewed art, architecture and design. Boris Friedewald takes us from the very beginning right up to the influence of the Bauhaus today in an illustrative riot of people, buildings, design classics, design absurdities, drawings, plans and parties which, alongside his formidably well-informed narrative, examines the many facets of the Bauhaus and offers the reader a vivid introduction to the life and work of its visionaries. The photos of the students are particularly enjoyable, with a great many off-guard and staged images that beautifully sum up the just-under-control anarchy of the place and people at a time when Germany was undergoing great social and political upheaval. 128pp softback, 100 colour and b/w illus., 7½" x 9".