Book Description

Louis Shabner began his career producing shop window advertising for brands such as Every Ready, Ovaltine and Chivers jams, amongst others, but is best known for his paintings of sultry sirens. During the 1960s and 1970s his prints, which were available through shops such as Boots chemists and by post through Freemans catalogues, adorned lounge walls up and down the UK. Many of his women made it onto hugely popular calendars during the same period. Under the pseudonym Sheldon, Shabner also produced numerous book cover paintings for Pan and other publishers. At the time, mass-produced art of this kind was viewed as having only 'throw away' value, but now Shabner's work - often mentioned in the same breath as that of contemporaries Vladimir Tretchikoff and J H Lynch - is highly sought-after by collectors, with copies of his original prints and calendars being snapped up for high prices. In The Art of Louis Shabner, researcher Stuart Webb presents the most comprehensive account ever published of Shabner's life and work, lavishly illustrated with beautiful colour images of a wealth of his paintings. A 'must buy' for aficionados of vintage art and book cover illustration. COMMENTS ON THE HARDBACK EDITION 'A fascinating look at the work of someone who may not be a household name but whose paintings had appeared in advertisements, on walls as calendar and as prints.' Tim Kitchen 'Such a beautiful book, by the dynamic Stuart Webb.' re sould vintage / classic / modern store, Australia 'It's absolutely fabulous, I love it.' Kirsty Hunter, Australia 'A beautiful work of art.' Nicola Beedon, Canada 'A gorgeous, beautiful book.' Candance Nelms, USA 'A feast for the eyes.' Helen Maguire, UK 'Beautifully presented, Stuart Webb's The Art of Louis Shabner is a fantastic history of a British artist only recently gaining recognition.' Circa 62 vintage shop, UK 'Stunning Book.' Sinead LaVey, UK 'It's a fabulous book, really thorough.' Gail Eagle, UK 'Fantastic book.' Sophie Barnes, UK 'Great book! I love it a lot.' Jens Bruenger, Germany 'It's gorgeous.' Jessica Willason, Australia