So, you’re searching for the perfect gift for the culture vultures and arty types in your life — the ones who know the best weekends are spent meandering around illustration fairs or in the sprawling halls of art galleries. Or perhaps they’re a maker themselves, and love nothing more than getting carried away with their new projects. Whatever style of art-lover you have in your life, we’ve compiled a list of excellent books that we’re sure they’ll love!

As a dabbler in the fibre arts myself (I love any craft involving a hook, needle or ultra soft chunky wool), I thoroughly recommend Sharp Notions as a great gift for anyone who has a passion for the form. Sometimes, the reliability of a knit stitch, the steady rocking of a quilting needle, the solid structure of a loom, is all you have. Martin Dachsel and Nancy Lee compile this collection of essays from writers and artists in order to explore the intersection of creative practice with identity, technology, climate change, trauma, politics, chronic illness, and disability. Featuring photographs of projects from the diverse range of artists showcased, Sharp Notions is a soothing balm and a shot of inspiration for the creative soul.  

A Little Art Education

Lynn Barber’s career as a journalist, writer, interviewer and memoirist is a glory to behold. Donning numerous awards and even an Oscar-nominated film based on one of her articles, there is no doubt that she is a powerful figure in British arts and culture. Her latest memoir, A Little Art Education is a dive into her lifelong devotion to the art, documenting her passions, friendships and lessons-learnt. Written by someone who claims to have no skill in art herself, this book is perfect for the art lovers and appreciators out there who’d love to read stories from inside this mysterious and elusive world.   

Art is Magic

A Sunday Times bestseller, and Tate Book of the Month on publication, Art is Magic is a holistic and revealing account of the inspirations, passions and practices of one of the UK’s foremost contemporary artists. Not only does this provide an incredible insight into an incredible creative, but it also opens the door for inspiration for one’s own practice. It’s impossible to not be carried away by Jeremy Deller’s infectious passion and creativity when reading this book. Even on the rare occasion that someone hasn’t encountered Deller’s art before, Art is Magic is still destined to captivate and energise any reader. We also have a full review available to read here.

Akikomatic

If you’ve caught a glimpse of a promotional movie poster in the last 15 years, chances are you were taking in the work of Akiko Stehrenberger, the Los Angeles-based artist you didn’t know you knew. Her work is deeply captivating and out-of-the-box, breathing life into film poster design in a landscape of infamous “floating head” composites and AI generated images. Akikomatic celebrates her unique brand of surrealism and the incredible skills imbued in all  of her creations. Any design or film fanatics will find themselves totally engrossed in this fabulous new edition of the sold out book, now featuring her latest covers and additional commentary.

1001 Movie Posters

For the film and design lovers in your life, there would be no greater gift than the epic tome that is 1001 Movie Posters. Iconic posters for films such as Metropolis, King Kong, La Dolce Vita, The Man with the Golden Arm, Jaws, Trainspotting and Get Out sit alongside more unexpected artwork for films such as 2001: A Space Odyssey, Star Wars, Taxi Driver, The Birds and Judas and the Black Messiah, creating a time capsule of the creativity and inventiveness of past and present eras. With 640-pages of nitty gritty film and design history, accompanied by the most sharp and high-quality images, this incredible book is a tribute and testament to the genius of movie poster design.

The Opinionated Guides to Art Series

Hoxton Mini Press have mastered the art of opinionated guides over the years, giving us their iconic deep dives into all areas of London life and culture. Now, they’re turning their artistic eyes to the art world by releasing their new series of guides to art. So far we’ve seen the brilliant guide to Women Painters, British art, Photography and Erotic Art. These perfect collectable and giftable little hardbacks take readers on whirlwind tours through iconic figures and pieces in art history. Check out our full review of An Opinionated Guide to British Art to take a closer look!

The Work of Art

What is the work of art? In this guided tour inside the artist’s head, former New York magazine editor Adam Moss traces the evolution of transcendent novels, paintings, jokes, movies, songs, and more. Weaving conversations with some of the most accomplished artists of our time together with the journal entries, napkin doodles, and sketches that were their tools, Moss breaks down the work — the tortuous paths and artistic decisions — that led to great art. Featuring interviews with the likes of Sofia Coppola and Marc Jacobs, this book would be cherished by any artist or lover of any genre, style or creed.  

Art and Crime

The art world is one of the most secretive of global businesses, and the list of its crimes runs long and deep. Today, with prices in the hundreds of millions for individual artworks, and billionaires’ collections among the most conspicuous and liquid of their assets, crime is more rampant than ever in this largely unregulated universe. The stories of high-stakes, brazen art crimes told by art experts Stefan Koldehoff and Tobias Timm are by turns thrilling, disturbing, and unbelievable (the imagination for using art to commit crimes seems boundless). Art and Crime is sumptously salatious and reads like a page-turning thriller.

Snap!

For the next Henri Cartier-Bresson, Saul Leiter, or Vivian Maier in your life, Snap! Will be a welcome addition to their bookshelf, and an injection of inspiration to their photography practice! Street photographer and gallarist Benke Carlsson takes us on an inspiring journey through the bustling cityscape, revealing innovative exercises designed to develop perspective and capture the urban world in new and exciting ways. Whether your budding photographer is capturing life through an iphone lens or on 35mm, they’ll find a spark of inspiration in these creative tasks.

The Anatomy of Style: Figure Drawing Techniques

If their preferred artistic methods involve paper and graphite, then The Anatomy of Style will be the book for them. Life drawing classes have spring up everywhere, and figure drawing continues to be a key staple practice for thousands of artists. For those developing or advancing their skills, Patrick J. Jones provides this incredibly comprehensive and powerful guide to the form. The Anatomy of Style provides step-by-step guidance and invaluable advice on everything from choosing the right drawing tools to mastering body landmarks. Pair with a fine art sketch book or set of pencils to make the artist in your life very happy, indeed.