There has long been a need for a publication that would provide an illustrated critical overview of British art, from early Saxon times to the present, combining the finest scholarship and the latest research with the clarity and accessibility necessary to appeal to a general readership. This three-volume work, written by a selection of leading experts in the field, joined by emerging scholars who bring fresh perspectives to the debate, is destined to be the definitive contribution to the study of British art for many years to come.A starting point for each volume is the problematic question of what is 'British' and what is 'art'; the meaning of both words has changed considerably during the period covered by the study."Volume 3, British Art: Modern and Contemporary", will be edited by Chris Stephens with Charles Harrison acting as consultant editor. In this volume, London emerges as a mid-point between Europe and America, drawing its influences from both directions, particularly the centres of the avant-garde in Paris and New York. The impact of international modernism on British art will be examined, along with the emergence of distinctly British counter-movements.Each volume will be arranged chronologically, with a preface and introduction of around 3,000 words, five to six long essays of 10-12,000 words and about 20 short essays of 500 to 1,000 words, written by a team of international scholars.
The volumes will each contain 150 colour illustrations. Reference material will include maps, chronologies, bibliographies, an index and finding aids, making "British Art: A History" indispensable to the study of British Art from secondary school to PhD level.