The early life of a modernist polymath and concrete-art pioneer: the first of a new multi-volume biography by Bill’s widow, art historian Angela Thomas

Swiss artist Max Bill (1908–94) was a master of many trades during his lifetime: he was at once an architect, graphic designer, painter, industrial designer and typeface designer. A student of greats such as Wassily Kandinsky and Paul Klee at the Bauhaus in Dessau, Bill developed his own unique practice of integrated design under their tutelage, cultivating a more contemporary interpretation of more traditional Bauhaus sensibilities. He went on to become one of the main advocates of the concrete art movement, joining the Allianz group of Swiss artists in 1937. In this first volume of a major new biography, Bill’s widow, art historian Angela Thomas, recounts the formative years of Bill’s life from his childhood in a small Swiss town to his time at the Bauhaus. With a lively cadence that speaks to her intimate knowledge of the architect himself, Thomas details Bill’s beginnings in Zurich as a young independent designer as part of a larger portrait of Europe’s political and artistic world in the decades before World War II. Originally written in German and now translated into English for the first time, A Subversive Gleam provides readers with an in-depth account of the origins of one of Europe’s most influential designers.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Established since 1991, we carry a large stock of rare, out of print and some current art monographs, along with some Artists Books. Also, exhibition catalogues, with an emphasis on Modern British and European Art. We operate from private premises in rural East Yorkshire. Visits can be made, but please make an appointment.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Colin Martin Books
United Kingdom

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

Colin Martin,
Trading as Colin Martin Art Books,
Business Address,
The Ridings,
Main Road,
Camerton,
Near HULL,
East Yorkshire,
HU12 9NQ
Telephone, 01964 601601
Email Address, enquiries@colinmartinbooks.com
VAT Registration Number, UK 780 4607 24
Bankers, Bank of Scotland, IBAN, GB07 BOFS 1224 8106 0781 08

Payment is due within 7 days of receipt.
New customers may be asked to send payment in advance.
Payment may be deferred for insitutional customers.
We accept PayPal.
Postage is charged at cost...

More Information

Shipping Terms

Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.
We pack using cardboard, some of which may come from recycled sources, and mail using polylopes. which are made from recycled materials.We aim to minimise the use of plastc material as far as possible. Our packing is well known to be sturdy and robust.

Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Order quantity	10 to 20 business days	6 to 15 business days
First item	US$ 26.79	US$ 38.85

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.