These illustrations are achingly beautiful (if that is indeed a thing). The lines Francis has captured in these scenes from his travel diary appear so rapid and spontaneous but are so captivating - you can hear the noise and bustle...thanks for sharing them. They are truly marvellous works. Like Sarah below I am also now looking for the book. One of the best parts of this post though is that flourish of a signature at the end (by one David Downtown) :)
The Schiaparelli portrait is a favorite illustration of mine - thanks for sharing. It was good of you to give some love for Willaumez and Blossac who are getting less and less mention as time goes on. Publications do tend to get lazy as the years pass and favor brief copy about "icons" rather than continue to mention the range of great talents. But Willaumez was certainly one of the most brilliant fashion illustrators of the 20th century. I assume you've seen his 'portrait' illustration of Schiaparelli standing, looking into a mirror?
I once heard a surgeon teaching a resident say, “Make a decision and make an incision.” I love the Marshall quote you mention, “Don’t fumble about…”. Too often we forget that drawing lives and dies on whether we communicate clear, precise visual relationships. That concept lies at the heart of what Marshall is saying. And it’s a concept that reaches beyond fashion illustration. Milt Kahl used to snap at animators who did things that broke their concentration and focus while they drew. I see the same idea at play when I carve. And it lives in how a surgeon wields a scalpel. Thanks for sharing David.
Just signed up, it was after the V&A talk where you signed the book for my mother that I started following you on Instagram. At that point I didn’t know she didn’t have long to live but she loved your stories, drawings and illustrations and I still have her original Francis Marshall books!
I’m now looking out for the book you mention, thank you! 🤩👏
Love this…!! Thank you.
These illustrations are achingly beautiful (if that is indeed a thing). The lines Francis has captured in these scenes from his travel diary appear so rapid and spontaneous but are so captivating - you can hear the noise and bustle...thanks for sharing them. They are truly marvellous works. Like Sarah below I am also now looking for the book. One of the best parts of this post though is that flourish of a signature at the end (by one David Downtown) :)
The Schiaparelli portrait is a favorite illustration of mine - thanks for sharing. It was good of you to give some love for Willaumez and Blossac who are getting less and less mention as time goes on. Publications do tend to get lazy as the years pass and favor brief copy about "icons" rather than continue to mention the range of great talents. But Willaumez was certainly one of the most brilliant fashion illustrators of the 20th century. I assume you've seen his 'portrait' illustration of Schiaparelli standing, looking into a mirror?
Thank you very much David for sharing your great knowledge.
Thank you for sharing a master from the past. I learn so much from you.
I once heard a surgeon teaching a resident say, “Make a decision and make an incision.” I love the Marshall quote you mention, “Don’t fumble about…”. Too often we forget that drawing lives and dies on whether we communicate clear, precise visual relationships. That concept lies at the heart of what Marshall is saying. And it’s a concept that reaches beyond fashion illustration. Milt Kahl used to snap at animators who did things that broke their concentration and focus while they drew. I see the same idea at play when I carve. And it lives in how a surgeon wields a scalpel. Thanks for sharing David.
Just signed up, it was after the V&A talk where you signed the book for my mother that I started following you on Instagram. At that point I didn’t know she didn’t have long to live but she loved your stories, drawings and illustrations and I still have her original Francis Marshall books!