The Great Mughals  presents, for the first time, the opulent, internationalist culture of Mughal Hindustan in the age of its greatest emperors: Akbar (r. 1556-1605), Jahangir (r. 1605-27) and Shah Jahan (r. 1628-58). Providing a compelling new narrative to describe the origins of Mughal art, it explores how a huge Iranian influence permeated the sophisticated craft traditions of the Indian subcontinent to create a distinctively Mughal court are included, from contemporary portraits to jeweled gold vessels and carpets. In chapters that conjure the unique dynamics of each reign, essays with historical sweep combine with texts focused on important objects to tell unexpected stories about a dynasty perhaps best known for commissioning the Taj Mahal.
 

This lavishly illustrated book, newly expanded and updated, examines the creative output of Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel (1883-1971) over the course of her long career and documents the creation and meteoric rise of the Chanel fashion empire and the products that bear its exclusive label – haute couture, ready-to-wear, accessories, jewellery and perfumes.

A final chapter looks at the House after Chanel: the vision of creative director Karl Lagerfeld who from 1983 until his death in 2019 ensured that the brand retained its position at the forefront of fashion’s vanguard; and the reinterpreting of Chanel fashion signatures by his successor, Virginie Viard, today.

Opening with a brief history of the dolls’ house, the book then invites you to take a close-up look at the most interesting and historically significant examples of this absorbing craft. Specially commissioned photography reveals the astonishing skill and craftsmanship require to create models from the exquisite Nuremburg House of 1673, to the brightly coloured twenty- first century Kaleidoscope House. From lavish country mansions to cosy suburban villas, it explores the houses’ fascinating roles as both domestic teaching aids and records of contemporary lifestyle, and gives unique insights into the world of their owners.

Charting her life, from her childhood in South Kensington, London to her later years in the Lake District, Annemarie Bilclough and Emma Laws show how Potter’s exceptional affinity with nature from an early age ensured the success of her stories – underneath the costumes were real, believable, animals. Sara Glenn highlights Potter’s entrepreneurial talents whilst Lucy Shaw takes readers on a Victorian holiday. Contributions from Richard Fortey and James Rebanks reveal her work in the field of mycology and transformation into a farmer, and Liz Hunter MacFarlane discusses her profound impact on the preservation of the Lake District landscape. Naturalist, creative pioneer, storyteller, determined entrepreneur – Potter has been described as ‘a many-sided genius’ and Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature allows readers a tantalising glimpse into the life of this extraordinary woman.