hardback

Kaffe Fassett has led a charmed life. Loved some of the random encounters he had, for example introducing the novel Midnight Cowboy to John Schlesinger and suggesting he make it into a movie...which he did. What I really enjoyed about this book are the hundreds of photos of Kaffe’s paintings, drawings, knitwear, needlepoint, fabric, ribbons, buttons, mosaics. He is prolific and his exuberant use of color just sings to me. ( )

This is a lavishly illustrated autobiography as seems appropriate for the maker of such lush and vibrant textile works. It open one's eyes to colour and to thinking about the colours of one's country and culture.

Kaffe Fassett's life is a lesson in ageing joyfully and actively - he will be 81 in December 2018. I noted that he was introduced to swimming in Highgate Ponds and that reminded of the fine book called "Pondlife: a swimmers journal" by Al Alvarez.

In an autobiography one shouldn't be commenting on a life - it is what it is but I do admire that Fassett has worked with both the aristocracy/upper class in the UK as well as with craftspeople from Third World countries such as India.

It is noteworthy that he can pinpoint particular sources which have been game-changers for him in his evolution as a craftsman artist. The example he gives on pp.110-111 - an Indian painting which is stunning in its combination of colours and story.

He can also point to other artists who have been his inspiration such as: Odilon Redon, Morandi and Antonio Gaudi.

This book is easy to read and very complementary to his other books such as Kaffe Fassett's V & A quilts. ( )

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It is entertainingly written; I found I could not put it down waiting to see what happened next. I have been an admirer of Kaffe Fassett's work and books since the 80's. Often you find that an autobiography written by an artist you admire does not seem to live up to the person you believe you have gotten to know through his or her work. This book does that an more. It's a wonderful slice of life in the 60's in swinging London as well as a detailed map to what influenced Fassett and how he works. I highly recommend this book! ( )