Not only was Ralph Rapson a gifted architect and furniture designer, he was also a very talented artist. He sketched constantly for the pure pleasure of drawing, and these sketches often became more finished drawings, rendered in pencil, ink, crayon, watercolor or felt markers. In 2002 Afton Press published a book entitled
Ralph Rapson: Sketches and Drawings from Around the World, which Rapson dedicated to his wife Mary, to document their extensive travels.
I was fortunate to find a used copy which had been inscribed by Rapson. My next purchase will be
Ralph Rapson: Sixty Years of Modern Design, which is considered to be the definitive biography of the man. It is also available from Afton Press.
All images courtesy of Afton Historical Society Press
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| Florence, Italy |
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| Kyoto, Japan |
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| Lake Geneva, Switzerland |
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| New York City, New York |
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| San Francisco, California |
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| Rapson inscription in my book |
I particularly like his sketches of the temple(?) in Japan and New York City.
ReplyDeleteYes, that's the Kyoto Temple, the largest all-wood structure in Japan.
DeleteNY has me tingling! :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with you and Kylie that there's something about the New York one...maybe the starkness...that is striking.
DeleteThe only picture I haven't been to is Lake Geneva. These are quite cool. My favorite thing to say, as usual I have learned something from you Dana... After I read your post about the Case Study Homes I ordered the big coffee table book with my Amazon points (free stuff haha). It is a GREAT book. Thanks for the recco.
ReplyDeleteI bet you'd love the Rapson book these came from. The Case Study book is on my Amazon wish list, and I hope somebody takes the hint and gives it to me for Christmas. :) As much as I buy from Amazon, I need to look into signing up for their Shop with Points program!
DeleteFun and really interesting blog, Dana.
ReplyDeleteMy was an architect, so I really appreciate these sketches.
Thanks, Tina...and welcome! I hope to see you around often.
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