Murals of New York City: The Best of New York's Public Paintings from Bemelmans to Parrish - Hardcover

by Glenn Palmer-Smith (Author), Joshua McHugh (Photographer), Graydon Carter (Introduction by)

If all of the murals of New York City were under one roof, it would be the greatest collection of populist art in America. MURALS OF NEW YORK CITY is the first book to curate over thirty of the most important, influential, and impressive murals found within all five boroughs. The murals featured in this volume act as both an artistic and cultural guide to New York and its citizens over the past 100+ years--from the Victorian sensibilities of the 1900's, to the New Deal outlook of the WPA-commissioned artworks, to the graffiti-inflected art of Keith Haring and Barry McGee. The book enlightens readers with the lively back stories of those who commissioned and created these murals, and documents the works through extensive original photography that shows both the murals in context, and with details that highlight the artistic hand of the muralists.

From courthouses, to libraries, to schoolrooms, to classic hotel watering holes, MURALS OF NEW YORK CITY introduces readers to a wide range of cultural icons and artistic treasures. Full-color images of works by the world's most celebrated artists including Marc Chagall, Roy Lichtenstein, Maxfield Parrish, and more are accompanied by informative and historical commentary. MURALS OF NEW YORK CITY is perfect for art and architecture lovers and serves as a resource for New Yorkers, and a souvenir for the millions of tourists who visit the city every year. The book contains addresses and historical information on each mural, artist, and location, including the circumstances in which they were created, restored, and preserved.

Author Biography

New York-based Glenn Palmer-Smith's career has spanned from being a Paris fashion photographer to photographer's representative to muralist, having restored the famed Bemelmans Bar and Café Carlyle murals at the Hotel Carlyle. His work has been written about in The New Yorker, The New York Times, and Forbes. Most recently he has finished the first in a series of murals for the Christopher Newport University in Virginia. Joshua McHugh is a New York-based photographer who specializes in interior, architecture, and design related projects. He is a Contributing Photographer at Architectural Digest, and his images are regularly published in other national shelter magazines including Elle Décor, Interior Design, and House Beautiful. Graydon Carter is the Editor of Vanity Fair.