While Uglow chose an interesting set of subjects, and she has clearly done all the research humanely possible, her compilation of descriptions and timeline events reads like a textbook. The captured story of a potentially engrossing duo is delivered in an incredibly dry and monotonous tone to the whole of the book. I had the sneaking suspicion that Uglow would've rather have kept all the intimacy of a typical biography for herself, leaving none for the readers. I felt shoved out of the way at every turn, relegated to peering in through the glass at a lifeless diorama.

I couldn’t remember why I was initially interested in this book, and I still can’t figure that out after reading it. An unfortunate case of a topic that could either be a fascinating deep dive I didn’t know I needed, or just kind of flat - this time it wasn’t for me.

If you’re a fan of British Art, the period between the two world wars, or biographies of artists, then umaybe this will be more exciting!

I am grateful to NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This is a substantial book of over 600 pages. I expected something relatively brief, perhaps a ‘coffee table’ book with some descriptive text and abundant colour reproduction of artwork. What the author has produced is essentially a biography of two artists who lived and worked closely together for decades beginning in the 1930s. They produced modern, futuristic artwork, capturing the mood of the times. Their work, relatively unappreciated at the time, has become much more popular and sought after in recent years.

Sybil Andrews grew up in small town England, experiencing the freedom given young women in supporting the war effort of WW I. Cyril Powers, more than 20 years her senior, was an architect and historian, with a wife and children. He also participated in the war effort at home, becoming captivated by the technology & power of the times while being appalled by the destruction brought to England.

The book tells their story in great detail; often sourcing from contemporaneous accounts captured in their diaries kept over many years, as well as media reviews and exhibition material. The background of post-war culture is described. A modern, future-looking culture, with new trends in many areas including art, music, fashion, transportation and architecture. Both had an amateur interest in art and they became close, moving to London to pursue careers as full-time artists.

The book captures their world and circle of friends in the art, music and cultural world of post-war London. Powers deserts his wife and children, essentially living and working with Andrews throughout the inter-war years and during WW II. They both draw and paint with various media while developing their own style. Modern, streamlined, somewhat abstract and in keeping with Art Deco styles becoming popular in Europe, the United States and throughout the world.

They achieve some modest success, especially with Lino-cut prints. This work by the couple and their contemporaries have become much admired and sought-after in recent years. The book explores their influences, exhibitions, collaborations, business ventures and other aspects of their very full lives.

The book captures in some detail their processes in creating art and the more mechanical processes in printing, reproduction and preparations for exhibitions. There are some monochrome reproductions of their works in the book, but no colour reproduction of their better known works. An internet search quickly displays many of the items of artwork discussed in the text.

The book follows their lives through the 1930s, up to and including WW II. Their lives diverge at this point. One of the couple, the younger Andrews , as you might expect, lives a much longer and interesting life.The elder Powers has a much quieter and shorter post-war existence.

For anyone interested in the UK artistic world of the between-the-wars period, this book will satisfy. In particular, anyone who enjoys the modern, dynamic prints popularised by Andrew & Powers and their contemporaries, this book will be great reading. Given their relative obscurity during much of their creative life, the detail captured in this book is quite surprising.

The author has done an excellent job of capturing the times, the thought process that created the art work and the mechanics of producing and reproducing the prints. Other aspects of Andrews and Powers life outside of their art are also captured in great detail. Family, friends, education, houses, homes, travel and business are all covered. Also captured are the background events to their lives. Changing times, cultures, society and lifestyles in the UK after World War I.

I wish the author and publishers all the very best with publication of this substantial and important book.

In this book a lot of light is shed on an interesting relationship, that I had no idea existed! Having admired both artists in the past and dabbing in linocutting myself, I found the history of the relationship and the growth of their skills through the times, circumstances and relationship between the two of them so engaging. The book is so well researched and makes for a great inspirational read! Obtained this book as part of NetGalley reviewing initiative