Realising that the original illustrations were not of a high enough standard, this post has been updated, as of 18/04/2024, with a better, and wider, selection of images.
Picked this book up the other day while exhibiting at Aberglasney - they possess a rather good second hand book corner and I've picked some lovely books in my time.
I had a copy of 'Living in Style', which I believe is her third book of interior design, many years ago and, for reason I can't now remember, I got rid. I have a suspicion that I also owned 'Paint Magic', published 1981, at the same time, but I may be mistaken.
Jocasta Innes (1932-2013) was, as this book shows, a possibly unique combination of bohemianism and the practicality. The latter the child of the former, born out of necessity. Creativity from chaos. From 1979 she lived in Spitalfields, an area in the East End of London, that was then in process of being rediscovered. There she restored a 18th century town house, honing her skills in the process, and which she relayed to us in her many books. All the while continuing to work as a journalist and writer. A force of nature of sorts.
I have to admit a slight disappointment with the design of the book. I suppose I expected something a bit more chic from a book connected with Cosmopolitan, even one sponsored by Dulux - Innes, I should add, was at the time Design Editor of the magazine. Some of the images in this book reflect that cultural millieu of Spitalfields - hence the large picture of Dennis Severs (1948-2001) in his remarkable Folgate St house. There is also an admix of Arty North London Bourgeoisie. Though I have say I think some her contemporary choices don't quite hit the mark, the following do. (oh, by the way for those who don't know, the gentleman resembling a deckchair is the inestimable George Melly - jazz singer, raconteur, writer and tv presenter. Bohemian. Habitue of the Colony Room.)
I have to admit a slight disappointment with the design of the book. I suppose I expected something a bit more chic from a book connected with Cosmopolitan, even one sponsored by Dulux - Innes, I should add, was at the time Design Editor of the magazine. Some of the images in this book reflect that cultural millieu of Spitalfields - hence the large picture of Dennis Severs (1948-2001) in his remarkable Folgate St house. There is also an admix of Arty North London Bourgeoisie. Though I have say I think some her contemporary choices don't quite hit the mark, the following do. (oh, by the way for those who don't know, the gentleman resembling a deckchair is the inestimable George Melly - jazz singer, raconteur, writer and tv presenter. Bohemian. Habitue of the Colony Room.)
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