High Street

First published in 1938, this classic book introduces the British high street, pairing the timeless illustrations of Eric Ravilious with an engaging text by architectural historian J.M. Richards. Shops include the family butcher, the coach builder, the cheesemonger, the knife grinder and the oyster bar. Only 2000 copies of the original book were printed before the lithographic plates were destroyed in the London Blitz. As a result, it has become one of the most collectable of all artist's books from this period. This beautiful facsimile edition features Ravilious's illustrations in exquisite colour and includes an essay by V&A curator Gill Saunders placing the book and its history into context.

Eric Ravilious (1903-42) was a painter, designer, illustrator and wood engraver and remains one of the best-known English artists of the 1930s. He died at 39 while on service as an Official War Artist. Sir James Richards (1907-92) was editor of the Architectural Review from 1937 to 1971 and architectural correspondent to The Times for over 20 years.