British Folk Art

Folk art is an established subject in many countries; however, in Britain the genre remains elusive, and this publication will accompany the first major survey of the subject. Rarely considered in the context of art history, 'folk art' has been viewed as part of social history or folklore studies. This publication unites an extraordinary selection of objects, exploring the threshold between art and artefact and challenging perceptions of 'high art'. While much folk art is anonymous, this book also presents works by a number of prominent individuals. Among these key figures are George Smart the tailor of Frant, eminent embroiderer Mary Linwood, ship carver and fairground artist Arthur Andersen, and Cornish painter Alfred Wallis. The in-depth discussions of these artists aim to reassess their position in art history, and to examine their often-neglected role in the story of art in Britain.