Sometime around November 1999, at least I’m sure it was winter as I recall that my feet nearly froze to the floor, I went with a friend to a cold and draughty barn in Kent, the studio of Oliver Budd, a name that needs no introduction in the mosaic world. Lorna had invited me to join her on a mosaic course, something that had never crossed my mind to try, but which instantly drew me in to the extent that I have never looked back, I just loved mosaic from that first time. The class mostly consisted of lots of ‘Oliver groupies’ (ladies of a certain age, of whom I am now one) who monopolised him all day, so that I left with little proper idea of how to approach making a mosaic but was deeply inspired by Oliver’s work which was propped all around the barn. I’ve been back much more recently to Oliver’s new studio in Robertsbridge, where he now teaches in smaller and more manageable classes - he has dispensed much invaluable advice and has been extremely generous in passing on information gleaned from his years at the top the mosaic profession.

Oliver kindly wrote me this review (published in BAMMS ‘Grout’ magazine in May 2010). I’m quite humbled to receive such glowing praise from such a clever artist and have been rightly chastised for not crediting Oliver for the particular techniques which I learned from him. Apologies have been accepted!

‘Stylish Mosaics’ reviewed by Oliver Budd.

The extremely suitable title of this book is a clue as to content.  The photography, layout, clear text and type are very classy and I had no problem devouring the book in one swift sitting.

Anne starts with the old misconception that you don’t have to be good at art to create mosaics but she forgot to add that it helps!  Every piece in this book is obviously the work of a talented artist with a background in design and a clear understanding of colour, texture and form.

She begins with a very brief history of the art of mosaics, then runs us through appropriate materials, tools and setting tips. Here there are some nice touches; I particularly liked the page on andamento and the various ways it can enhance your mosaic, and also the application of fake slate which is one I had never thought of (but will in future!).

Having run through the ‘tess, tools and tips’, Anne takes us onto some projects that look just mouth-watering.  I like the device of the number of tiles top left of each page denoting the skill level.  In fact the skill levels are sensibly arranged not from one to four but mixed up, I assume so the less skilled don’t feel excluded and left behind as one moves on through the chapter.

The projects featured here are very appealing, beautifully designed and well made. Anne has used good quality materials that are readily available to everybody - from broken crockery, through marble and pebbles to gold mosaic and iridescent waterglass. The items are either practical objects like mirrors, splash-backs, trays and laundry boxes or they are quite simply lovely things to look at like the Christmas tree baubles. The candle bowl featured on the book’s cover is particularly cool.

The book ends with a series of templates for designs from the projects chapter which is always a useful addition for anybody wishing to take up mosaic and who, as I mentioned at the beginning, may not be good at art!

I suppose I must have one small constructive comment which is that Anne gives no credit for the techniques used in the construction of the marble fish table top (page 54), which I introduced her to at one of my classes. This could be just my ego whining or the fact that as I scan the names of the publication team at Hamlyn I see we have an all-female collective!  However Anne is forgiven that one oversight for two things; all her fantastic work creating and promoting Mega Mosaic Makers in schools and her crediting Barbara Lammers’ Mosaic Trader UK, fast becoming my favourite place for a sumptuous stock of all things glassy and glittery!

There have been many ‘you-do-it’ mosaic books, but Stylish Mosaics is one that I would definitely recommend to my students.  If they are novices then it is a book that will entice them in. If they are more experienced it will show how an understanding of colour and design is all-important when making successful mosaics.

Oliver Budd

www.buddmosaics.co.uk