Yasmin Ali

Architectural illustrator Thibaud Herem's London Deco is a recent release from London-based independent publisher Nobrow Press. Everything about this book exudes the finest quality and attention to detail: from the intricate rapidograph ink drawings, to its large-scale concertina format, its Fabriano 200gsm paper and hardback binding.

Herem has faithfully documented in great detail the facades of eleven examples of London art deco architecture. These include the icons The Hoover Factory, BBC Building and the much-loved Battersea Power Station, now Tate Modern, as well as some lesser-known and smaller-scale gems such as theatres, car workshops, Southgate Underground Station (now decommissioned), and Islington's Screen on the Green. RIBA's headquarters also fittingly makes an appearance.

This is part of the Nobrow Leprello series, which takes its namesake from the Italian for 'concertina'. The book folds out to be 3 metres long, and on the reverse are charming silhouettes of the buildings, each with a brief history. The hand drawn images themselves are amazingly intricate, with no digital enhancements.

London Deco makes a beautiful and affordable Christmas gift for architects, and the current first edition is one to treasure for years to come.

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Nobrow Press, Published October 2013, 20pgs, Hardback, 240 X 300mm, £25

Available at Nobrow shop and website, and RIBA Bookshop.

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Weblinks

Nobrow - here

Thibaud Herem - here