Reading LIST

Design that will stand the test of time is the focus of our latest batch of books, all of which deserve a prime spot on a very stylish coffee table

- Catherine Coyle

1 Aino + Alvar Aalto

A love story and an in-depth exploration of one of design’s greatest movements? You’d better settle in. Compiled by Aino and Alvar’s grandson, Heikki AaltoAlanen, this compendium marks the 125th anniversary of Alvar’s birth and celebrates a compelling story of passion and commitment between two Finnish architects who are among the greatest creatives of the 20th century.

From their work on public buildings and key products to the formulation of their art and design brand Artek that, 90 years on, is still going strong, the duo’s shared vision has helped shape the way we live. Peruse private letters, take in archival photos and immerse yourself in this tender retrospective of a design power couple. Mesmerising. £100, Phaidon

2 Bauhaus Style

Interdisciplinary working was at the heart of Walter Gropius’s manifesto when he founded the Bauhaus in 1919. It was more than simply a means of working, however; the style influenced all aspects of life and was adopted by its followers as a school of thought that infiltrated the social, economic, and political landscape of the time.

This new book is part of Assouline’s ‘style’ series spotlighting the major art and design movements in a bid to reveal their historical and cultural impact. Vitra Design Museum’s Mateo Kries oversees the volume that depicts the architecture, graphics, fashion, art and objects of the Bauhaus in all their enduring glory. £85, Assouline

3 Living Bright