News Blog @ Wellington City Libraries

Art now. Vol. 3, A cutting-edge selection of today’s most exciting artists = Ein Aktueller Überblick zu 73 Internationalen Künstlern = Une sélection actuelle de 73 artists de la scène internationale / edited by Hans Werner Holzwarth.
“A cutting-edge selection of the artists that matter the most. Tracking the trends of art in the world today, bringing you illustrations and information about all the most important artists.” – (adapted from Amazon.com description)

Typoholic font to form. Typoholic A to Z.
“Typoholic collects a sampling of the most recent trends and developments in type design by designers who utilize such diverse mediums as illustration, craft, fashion, photography and performing arts to manifest their designs whether for branding, editorial, product, promotional or installation based applications. Includes an introductory section showcasing more than 40 new type families.” – (adapted from Amazon.com description)

Growing up : the Young British Artists at 50 / Jeremy Cooper.
“This book provides a personal, intimate account of the meteoric success of the young British artists and of the often painful realities of the contemporary art world… Now five of the most prominent members of the group — Anya Gallaccio, Damien Hirst, Gary Hume, Michael Landy, and Sarah Lucas — are profiled in this collective portrait. Based on personal interviews by Jeremy cooper and on his years of close observation of the London art world, this book includes his insightful commentary as well previously unpublished photographs and letters. The result is a fascinating combination of biography and art history that both traces the yBas’ collective legacy and contemplates their individual futures.” (Adapted from Syndetics summary)

Knit Noro accessories : 30 colorful little knits / [senior editor, Michelle Bredeson].
“How cool would it be to commission serious knitwear creators to design color bursts of accessories? The answer comes from the manufacturer of Noro, a high-end Japanese yarn brand known for its ever-fascinating combinations of hues. In this book, the follow-up to the first Knit Noro (2011) book, 30 accessories or smalls, consuming only a few skeins of expensive yarn dominate. Patterns and techniques are contemporary, whether brioche or entrelac, felted or cabled, as are the actual wearables. A shrug becomes kimono-like, and a dog’s sweater is made flexible with the addition of a drawstring. Color photographs mesmerize; instructions and charts, wherever necessary are crystal clear to experienced knitters. Unfortunately, this isn’t geared to beginners (unless a pro is nearby); these 30 projects demand the click-clack of well-honed needles.” – (adapted from Booklist summary)

60 more quick baby knits : adorable projects for newborns to tots in 220 superwash sport from Cascade Yarns / [editorial director, Joy Aquilino].
“State of the art yarn, innovative styles, irresistible projects! This follow-up to 60 Quick Baby Knits gives budget-minded knitters 60 more inexpensive, time-saving ways to create fabulous baby fashions. Fans of the wildly popular “60 Knits” series are already into the lighter sportweight wool, exclusively from Cascade Yarns-and new readers will welcome its many advantages. Projects include the Paris Cardigan and Birdhouse Sweater from Pat Olski, Amy Barht’s Bunny Blanket, and Veronica Manno’s Smart Striped Vest.” – (adapted from Amazon.com summary)

Babes in the wool : how to knit beautiful fashion dolls, clothes &; accessories / Fiona McDonald.
“This little gem is the best so far on the subject of knitted dolls. While most publications offer drab and unattractive patterns to knit the same old dolls again and again, this book takes the knitted doll subject to a whole new level. Fiona MacDonald’s babes truly are fashionistas! You can choose from 3 types of dolls to knit with 9 different examples offered in the book. Each one is with her own contemporary and fun wardrobe which you can mix and match as you please. As long as you can knit, purl, increase and decrease, you will be able to knit as many dolls as you like with accompanying garments such as bikinis, skirts, tops, sweaters, scarves, pants, slippers and ballet shoes, coats, hats and handbags.” – (adapted from Amazon.com summary)

The architecture electric / Jared Kennard, Tyson Schmidt, Nathan Horne.
“The Architecture Electric records central Wellington electrical substations photographically to highlight and showcase these overlooked utilitarian buildings. Hiding at the end of the street, under office towers, in carparking blocks, or next to your garage at home, these vital links in the electrical infrastructure are often camouflaged and ignored as there is no human occupancy. Architectural styles reflect the era they were built and the attitude of the day with proudly displayed pediments, ornate trimmings or brutalist precast concrete form, yet all tend to be painted green to blend into the background.” – (adapted from Unity Books summary)

A history of design from the Victorian era to the present : a survey of the modern style in architecture, interior design, industrial design, graphic design, and photography / Ann Ferebee with Jeff Byles.
“The first edition of this compact (8.25×9″) book for design students was published in 1970; it covered design up to 1958. This second edition extends coverage to 2008, with special emphasis on the influence of digital technology and sustainable design. This edition expands coverage from the traditional design epicenters such as London and New York to explore developments in many cities around the world, including the Middle East and Africa. Illustrated with color photos and illustrations on every page, the book surveys design traditions and movements of the last 160 years, looking at how technological achievements spurred design innovations in architecture, photography, and interior, industrial, and graphic design during four periods: the Victorian period, art nouveau, and early modern and late modern design.” – (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Origami architecture : papercraft models of the world’s most famous buildings / Yee.
“The incredible splendors of some of the worlds’ most recognized architectural feats are brought to life within the pages of Origami Architecture. With this book, some card stock paper, and a hobby knife, anyone can build spectacular re-creations of the most famous buildings in the world. It gives instructions and templates for 16 buildings, including the Parthenon, the White House, the Eiffel Tower, the Chrysler building, and the Forbidden City. There are over 900 photographs detailing the cutting and assembling of the pieces, most without using glue or tape. Once the structure is attached to the base not only will does it look amazing, but it can be folded up and taken anywhere.” – (adapted from Syndetics summary)

A bugle will do [sound recording] / Anthony Richie.
A collection of pieces by New Zealand composer Anthony Richie, performed by the NZSO and conducted by Tecwyn Evans. The title track is a piece commissioned by the NZSO to commemorate the death of New Zealand’s most famous war hero, Sir Charles Upham. The album also contains Symphony No.3 (2010) op.150, French Overture (2008) op.138 and Revelations (1998) op.82.

The excellent art of voluntary [sound recording] : early English organ music from Pembroke College, Cambridge / [performed by] Robert Costin.
Robert Costin, previously organist at St Paul’s Cathedral in Wellington and Holy Trinity Cathedral in Auckland, performs a selection of early English organ works on the organ at Pembroke College, Cambridge.