David Hicks: A Life of Design

(Hardback)

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Back in print for the first time in years, this classic of interior-design history showcases the masterful work of David Hicks (19291998), who is acknowledged as one of the most important designers of the late twentieth century, in the company of Billy Baldwin and Albert Hadley.

Known for his bold use of color, eclecticism, and geometric designs in carpets and textiles, Hicks turned English decorating on its head in the 1950s and 60s. His trademark use of electrifying color combinations, and mixing antiques, modern furniture, and abstract paintings became the in style for the chic of the day, including Vidal Sassoon and Helena Rubinstein. By the 1970s, David Hicks was a brand; his company was making wallpaper, fabrics, and linens and had outposts in eight countries, including the United States where he worked with the young Mark Hampton, and where his wallpaper was used in the White House. My greatest contribution as an interior designer has been to show people how to use bold color mixtures, how to use patterned carpets, how to light rooms, and how to mix old with new, he stated in his 1968 work, David Hicks on LivingWith Taste, the last authoritative book on his work. Written by his son, Ashley Hicks, with unprecedented access to Hickss archives, personal photographs, journals, and scrapbooks, this book is a vibrantly illustrated celebration of a half century of stunning interiors.

Reviews

"The Hicks book is THE book of the season."
Stephen Drucker, Editor in Chief, House Beautiful

"[A] lavish illustrated survey of the renowned British decorators work by his son...plenty of dish on Hickss glamorous life and times..."
The New York Times Magazine

"[A]n elegant volume that showcases Hicks' power to conjure up an entirely new atmosphere and transform a space into an enchanting oasis. With 700 breath taking illustration this gorgeous book will be an instant classic!"
Le Petit Blog

"If you are a Hicks fan, or if you collect monographs of great designers, I think this book will be a worthy addition to your collection."
Peak of Chic

"If you can't get to Paris to experience David Hicks designs in person then I recommend the new book, David Hicks: A Life of Design by his son Ashley Hicks."
Habitually Chic

"[A]n intimate portrait of the ultimate designer...a technicolor biography..."
Design New England

Author Bio

Ashley Hicks is a British author, architect, interior and furniture designer, and photographer. He is the son of Lady Pamela Hicks and the legendary decorator David Hicks.