Artist Humphrey Ocean was elected to the Royal Academy in 2004 and was Professor of Perspective from 2012–2020, a role previously held by J.M.W. Turner. His work is held in numerous public collections which include the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Imperial War Museum, the National Portrait Gallery and the Whitworth.

This 320 page book, encompassing paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures from the last five decades, is the first major monograph on the artist and provides a comprehensive overview to his work which is everyday in nature yet distinctive in style.

Our intention was to design a book that would be an extension of the artist’s physical space, reflecting the ‘just so’ approach he takes in arranging his studio.

We worked closely with the artist to curate the content, structure and running order of the book. The works are arranged by type and chapter openers feature the artist’s characterful handwriting reproduced in glossy black foil onto tinted orange paper stock.

Employing swiss binding which allows the book to lay flat, opening the cover reveals the book block which is wrapped in a thick band of orange cloth. The generous page size brings the work to life in an impactful way.

The dust jacket is clear acetate, beneath which sits a foil blocked manifestation of a pen and ink drawing of a book which was lifted from one of the artist’s sketchbooks.