Selected by award-winning design journalist, Tom May, this beautifully illustrated book examines the achievements of 50 of history's greatest designers: the men and women who have influenced the way we live by creating everything from furniture to household goods and decorative objects to cars and motorbikes, airplanes, signage, sports equipment and much more.
These inspiring personal stories provide a fascinating overview of design history: the ways that style has married with technical innovation; how historical contexts have fuelled design choices; and what role design plays as we try to move away from excessive consumerism towards a more sustainable future.
Featured designers include:
• William Morris: English textile designer and key figure in the Arts and Crafts movement
• Gunta Stölzl: German textile artist and one of the most outstanding members of the Bauhaus.
• Eileen Gray: Irish architect, furniture designer, and pioneer of the Modern Movement in Architecture
• Charles and Ray Eames: Married couple, most famous for their iconic Eames chairs
• Art Sims: African-American graphic designer, best-known for his film posters such as for Spike Lee's movies such as "Do the Right Thing" and "Malcolm X".
• James Dyson: British industrial designer and inventor of the bagless vacuum cleaner
Perceptive and informative, this guide makes a fascinating introduction to the way design has become such an integral part of what we are and do.
ABOUT THE SERIES: The 50 Greatest series brings together highly visual reference guides, each exploring 50 of the most influential figures across a certain discipline. These rich biographical profiles outline their key achievements, influences and impact on the industry, accompanied by stunning full-colour photography.
Author Bio
Tom May is an award-winning journalist and editor specialising in design, creativity and technology. Across a career spanning more than two decades, Tom has been editor of Professional Photography magazine, associate editor at Creative Bloq, and deputy editor at net magazine.
Today, he is a regular contributor to Creative Bloq, Creative Boom, Digital Camera World, T3.com, Tom's Guide and Tech Radar. He is author of the book Great TED Talks: Creativity.
ISBN: 9781398828193
Publication Date: 30th May 2025
Pages: 208
Series: 50 Greatest
Formats
With dust jacket