For those with no time to read or space to display huge coffee-table books about designers, Chronicle Books has published tiny tomes on four Modernists:
Eileen Gray (1878-1976), Irish-born architect, lacquer master and furniture designer in France in the early to mid-20th Century, including the iconic tubular chrome and glass 1027 table.
Michael Graves (1934- ), the American architect and designer of high-style objects for Alessi and Target and the gridlike renovation sheath for the Washington Monument.
Richard Sapper (1932- ), German-born industrial designer, father of the Tizio Lamp, IBM Think Pad and assorted Alessi housewares.
Jean Prouve (1901-1984), French builder-turned-furniture designer whose works ranged from reclining and folding chairs to prefab architectural elements and metal edifices.
Each $12.95 book is 6 inches square, amply illustrated and highly informative.
“This series is well-suited to getting classic designers accessible but not make it fluffy,” said Alan Rapp, a Chronicle editor.
“The amount of information is pretty decent without making an oversize and pricey book.”
Next up? Eva Zeisel, Hungarian-born ceramist and industrial designer.
