Bookshelf: Legendary fashion photographer Matthew Donaldson shows us which books inspire him

Date
6 May 2014

If you’ve been dying to know which publications inspire a fashion photographer as prolific as Matthew Donaldson then your prayers have been answered. He’s very kindly told us about five books from his rather beautiful shelves that have informed his work over the years. And what work! Matthew’s photographed for the likes of luxurious big dogs Vogue, Wallpaper*, W and GQ and has also shot slick and witty advertising campaigns for many clients including Sony, Harvey Nichols, Skoda, Coca Cola, Louis Vuitton, Harrods, Missoni, Kvadrat and Marks and Spencer. Ever wonder what a man like Matthew carries around in his blazer pocket? Read on to find out…

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Lawrence Weiner: Something to put Something on

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Lawrence Weiner: Something to put Something on

Lawrence Weiner: Something to put Something on

I bought this book in New York a few years ago. I was talking about Weiner to a great friend of mine, a graphic designer. I asked if he’d been to see Weiner’s exhibition and he said that he loved his work but couldn’t go because he couldn’t fail to be influenced by Weiner’s work. I immediately became fascinated with Lawrence Weiner.

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Thomas Parsons and Sons ltd: Historical Colours

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Thomas Parsons and Sons ltd: Historical Colours

Thomas Parsons and Sons ltd: Historical Colours

My mother gave this to me for my birthday 20 years ago. I remember thinking that it was a slightly eccentric present until I opened it. It is the most beautiful book, produced as a colour chart by the company in 1954 at the cost of one guinea to the potential client. The walk away from their offices in Grosvenor Street with this in your hand must have been the most pleasing of experiences.

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Irving Penn: Flowers

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Irving Penn: Flowers

Irving Penn: Flowers

Possibly the most handsomely printed book ever. Printed in six colours on Kromekote stock, which is unheard of. Add to that the most extraordinary and unsentimental portraits of flowers that you’ll ever see and you have a devastating book. Still-life photographers be aware, strike out that project with fresh flowers you were contemplating. It’s already been done.

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Hembras y Machos en Celo

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Hembras y Machos en Celo

Hembras y Machos en Celo

I cant remember where this came from, I think I may have picked it up in Mexico. From the moment I saw the vanity piece of plain paper Sellotaped to the cover to retain some sort of modesty, I was in love. It is the tale of a man whose whirlwind tongue gets him into all sorts of scrapes, coupled with the sexual fantasy illustrations. It is a heady cocktail that fits neatly in your blazer pocket.

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Duane Michals: Homage to Cavafy

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Duane Michals: Homage to Cavafy

Duane Michals: Homage to Cavafy

I’ve loved Duane Michal’s work ever since I began taking photographs. I love holding this book, the production is sublime. It’s so modest in size and presentation but the work is awesome. His photographs never leave me.

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Matthew Donaldson’s Bookshelf

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Matthew Donaldson’s Bookshelf

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