Illuminate - Contemporary Craft Lighting: Book Review

Perhaps you remember Hannah Nunn, whose paper cut lights I've featured on more than one occasion. She brings together makers of beautiful objects via her lighting and craft boutique Radiance [edit: now closed] in Hebdon Bridge, England.

paper fairy lights garland
Hannah Nunn
Fairy Lights
Photograph: Hannah Nunn

Reading Hannah's new book, illuminate: contemporary craft lighting, is a most enjoyable form of armchair traveling. She introduces the reader to more than forty artisans who create handmade lights around the world. Yes, Hannah has a knack for bringing people together, and like her shop, this book is a perfect medium for her talent.

cover of paper lighting book, Illuminate
Cover light: Allison Patrick
Photograph: Allison Patrick

Of course there is a chapter on paper lighting, but the book includes much more... you'll learn about contemporary textile, ceramic, glass, print, wood, and metal lighting. There is also a chapter on recycled lights in which paper most definitely plays a role.

five round pendant lights in various sizes made of cardboard
Graypants
Scrap Lights, Jupiter with Moons
Photograph: Jonathan Junker

I was sent a review copy and my first spin through had me ogling the gorgeous photographs. I also found myself stopping over and over again to read Hannah's words about the individual makers.

multi-color paper chandelier
Louise Traill
Chandelier (detail)
Photograph: Hannah Nunn

She writes in an engaging, conversational style that makes illuminate the type of book you can dip into at any time. Not a project-based, how-to tome, Hannah relates the stories that tell why these creative individuals do what they do.

folded paper cube lights with wooden bases
Andrew Ooi
Mokume Walnut Light
Photograph: Yumiko Miyamoto

Her enthusiasm for lighting is contagious; if you leave the book out for guests to enjoy, I predict they'll be drawn to it like moths to a flame.

trio of white paper orbs hanging light
Celine Wright 
Point de Suspension
Photograph: Virginie Perocheau

Bloomsbury has offered to send a copy to two readers worldwide. Just leave a comment as your entry - easy peasy.

string of handmade paper lanterns
Louise Traill
Heirloom Lights
Photograph: Hannah Nunn

The giveaway will end on Tuesday, February 5th. Winners will be selected by a random number generator and announced on this post + the All Things Paper Facebook page as soon as they have been contacted. Good luck!

Congratulations to the winners - Gitana and Catherine Schneider!

All Things Paper is an Amazon Affiliate.



Ann Martin
Ann Martin

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