Designer Morag Myerscough gives us a peek at her bookshelf

Date
10 February 2016

Designer Morag Myerscough is known for her bold execution and responsive work, the identity she created for Somerset House’s Big Bang Data exhibition (on show until March) is a perfect example of this as it distils complex ideas about data into communicative and energetic graphics.

Last month Morag was named as one of Debrett’s top 500 Britons, and it’s the breadth of her work that’s helped her stand out. In 1993 she set up Studio Myerscough and then in 2010 founded Supergroup London with Luke Morgan, which has seen the designer collaborate with a diverse array of people in architecture, art and design. For her Bookshelf selections, Morag has picked a feast of interesting books taken from her past and present. Touching upon colour, approach to design and composition it’s a slice of delicious creative pie.

Deyan Sudjic: Ettore Sottsass and the Poetry of Things

My most recent book purchase. I am in the middle of reading it and so far it’s a very thoughtful and intriguing account of Sottsass’ life. When I was at St Martin’s in the 80s I really loved everything about Memphis, they made me think that as a designer you could design anything and not be restricted to one discipline. I even went and worked for Michelle De Lucchi in 1990 to follow in the footsteps of my heroes.

Sol Lewitt: Color Grids

One of my all time favourites – I bought this book from Printed Matter in New York in 1993. When I bought it I didn’t know who Sol Lewitt was, I just liked the simplicity, repetition, colours and human element within the book. Every time I open this book it’s as if I’ve never opened it before it’s so fresh.

Eduardo Paolozzi: Paolozzi

Another book I have had with me for many years. Paolozzi is an incredible artist. The text pages in this book are thick gloss chromolux, the printing is black and white and two colours. The space between the images, the composition, everything about this book does something for me. It’s small but beautifully formed.

Gerhard Richter and Anthony D’Offay: Atlas

In 1997 I saw this incredible exhibition in New York and there was this huge book to accompany it that I had to have. I love pages of images with no text. The book is immense and takes you through pages and pages of diverse images — far away places, cars, aeroplanes, ships and sensational events as well as animals babies, clouds, his sketches and more. It is perfectly orchestrated with strong juxtapositions that make you think — for example photographs of friends are juxtaposed by a collection of famous men. The images are not in a chronological order, his preferred criteria was of content and form. A very intimate book, with so many thoughts given to us to narrate and interpret.

Cedric Price: The Square Book

Cedric Price’s body of work was so forward thinking. His work shows how he was against conventional thinking and had no fixed boundaries. He believed in flexibility, impermanence and advances in technology. His work and values are so relevant to now, he was way ahead of his time. This book takes a sketchbook type form showing his work and the thinking behind the projects. A great insight into a great person.

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About the Author

Rebecca Fulleylove

Rebecca Fulleylove is a freelance writer and editor specialising in art, design and culture. She is also senior writer at Creative Review, having previously worked at Elephant, Google Arts & Culture, and It’s Nice That.

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