As always, the change of seasons brings with it many delights, not the least of which is an abundance of new design books to add to our personal collections. I happened to come across a stunning new book that is both a visual treat and an object of beauty in its own right that I’d like to share a glimpse of with you. Objects of Desire, by Maria Hummer-Tuttle, is a personal celebration of the hunt for – and the joy of – living with favorite collections and things – concepts as universal as our drives to dwell and decorate. The premise of this book is centered around the questions:
What is it in our homes that we truly value and why? What would you take when you leave in fear of fire?
And while the answers can be vastly personal and diverse, the common thread is the value – intrinsic or sentimental – that imbues our favorite collections and objects. Our homes are a three-dimensional portrait of ourselves and the objects we choose to accumulate often tell stories of our past, our dreams for the future, our longings and our tribe. For Maria Hummer-Tuttle, the objects she has accumulated over the years, from priceless antiques to quirky flea-market finds, are precious not only for their beauty and craftsmanship, but also for their connection to her personal narrative, and the music they make with one another.
In this exquisitely illustrated book, Maria Hummer-Tuttle serves as our guide through three dwellings, focusing our attention on objects ranging from ancient Chinese sculptures to a Louis XV clock painted with characters from an Aesop fable, from a snail sculpture found in a venerable hardware store to a monumental safety-pin sculpture by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen.
With a foreword by master ceramicist and acclaimed author Edmund de Waal, Objects of Desire, is both a feast for the eyes and a stunning object to be cherished in its own right.
About the Authors:
Maria Hummer Tuttle practiced law in a distinguished law firm for more than 25 years. She was Chair of the Board of Trustees of the J. P Getty Trust and serves on the board of a number of charitable and civic organizations. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a member of the Council of Foreign Relations. She is the co-author of Winfield House, written while her husband was American ambassador to the UK. She lives in Los Angeles.
Edmund de Waal is a renowned artist of ceramic objects and a bestselling author. The award-winning The Hare with Amber Eyes, a tale of objects and their stories, was translated in more than 30 languages. It was followed by The White Road: Journey into an Obsession and Letters to Camondo. He lives in London.
Miguel Flores-Vianna is a celebrated photographer and writer whose work appears regularly in a variety of leading international publications. His books include Haute Bohemians and A Wandering Eye: Travels with My Phone. He lives in London.
Wishing you a great weekend!
