Illuminate - Contemporary Craft Lighting: Book Review

Perhaps you remember Hannah Nunn, whose paper cut lights I've featured on more than one occasion. She brings together makers of beautiful objects via her lighting and craft boutique Radiance [edit: now closed] in Hebdon Bridge, England.

Hannah Nunn

Fairy Lights

Photograph: Hannah Nunn

Reading Hannah's new book, illuminate: contemporary craft lighting, is a most enjoyable form of armchair traveling. She introduces the reader to more than forty artisans who create handmade lights around the world. Yes, Hannah has a knack for bringing people together, and like her shop, this book is a perfect medium for her talent.

Cover light: Allison Patrick

Photograph: Allison Patrick

Of course there is a chapter on paper lighting, but the book includes much more... you'll learn about contemporary textile, ceramic, glass, print, wood, and metal lighting. There is also a chapter on recycled lights in which paper most definitely plays a role.

Graypants
Scrap Lights, Jupiter with Moons

Photograph: Jonathan Junker

I was sent a review copy and my first spin through had me ogling the gorgeous photographs. I also found myself stopping over and over again to read Hannah's words about the individual makers.

Louise Traill

Chandelier (detail)

Photograph: Hannah Nunn

She writes in an engaging, conversational style that makes illuminate the type of book you can dip into at any time. Not a project-based, how-to tome, Hannah relates the stories that tell why these creative individuals do what they do.

Andrew Ooi
Mokume Walnut Light
Photograph: Yumiko Miyamoto

Her enthusiasm for lighting is contagious; if you leave the book out for guests to enjoy, I predict they'll be drawn to it like moths to a flame.

Celine Wright 

Point de Suspension

Photograph: Virginie Perocheau

Bloomsbury has offered to send a copy to two readers worldwide. Just leave a comment as your entry - easy peasy.

Louise Traill

Heirloom Lights

Photograph: Hannah Nunn

The giveaway will end on Tuesday, February 5th. Winners will be selected by a random number generator and announced on this post + the All Things Paper Facebook page as soon as they have been contacted. Good luck!

Congratulations to the winners - Gitana and Catherine Schneider!

All Things Paper is an Amazon Affiliate.