David GentlemanMy Town: An Artist's Life in London

I read an article on David Gentleman in the London Magazine and bought this book on the strength of that. It’s good value for money as it’s packed with etchings, wood engravings and sketches, variously coloured perfectly in crayon and water colours mainly. There are 280 pages and I’d guess therefore around 400 images.Most of the subjects are based on buildings and landmarks of the Thames, Camden, the square mile, Hampstead and other London locations. Fine drawings which describe the subjects in a way that a photo can seldom achieve.His simple ink drawings are honest and evocative, combining design detail with the feel of the subject (for the Fulham gasworks picture above he used tinted paper and a fountain pen).Would have liked to have had more of his bio as, in the LM article, a rich family history is described.Would also liked to have had an index of pictures although each individual image has a description alongside it.Final whinge - he gives some great advice for student artists but I’d like to have heard more of the technical detail. I suspect he’s a great teacher!I strongly recommend this lovely book.

Even more beautiful than I thought it would be. Atmospheric views of famous bits of London & more intimate ones of the parts of Camden near to the artist's home. All street life is here but also the beauty of Hampstead Heath & Primrose Hill.

Wonderful drawings, but a real shame this book is quite small in size. The other books I have of David Gentleman’s art are much bigger, ‘coffee table size’ and therefore much more pleasing to look at.

Great little book about London the city and Thames. Early work from student days, beautiful draughtsmanship right up to contemporary scenes. Displays why drawing should be taught in art schools...the eye coupled with the hand, pen and pencil.Loved this book from a true artist.

A gift for my artist husband who really enjoyed reading about the life of this man, whilst putting a connection to the drawings and paintings. I recommend it when you already have a bookcase full of art books and want someone different.