Jasper Conran Books

Jasper Conran Country

“The fact that I am a designer – someone who has worked all his life with fabrics, colours, shapes and textures – does not make me an expert on rural affairs. But when it comes to appreciating the texture of the countryside, I think it might help.” Jasper Conran

Jasper Conran lives, works in and treasures the English countryside. In Country, Jasper’s first book, he reveals his unique vision of ‘country’ in a very personal and arresting photographic essay captured during a year of encounters, explorations and insights.

The allure of the countryside has a universal aspiration, but how do we achieve the dream? It is not about spending money, or prescribing to a certain style, it is about appreciation, self-expression, getting back to the root of what makes us tick and taking time to look at what is here and now.

In Country, Jasper uses his own experiences, and the landscapes and homes that are familiar to him to portray a seductive way of life. Moving from one season to the next, from interior to exterior, from detail to landscape, this is life as it is actually lived in the countryside today. It is one man’s vision that informs by captivating the senses and the imagination, from the sweep of a beautiful landscape, to the warmth of an open fire, the smell of freshly baked bread and the quirkiness of local events.

Jasper comments, “Our world is being transformed, not just by globalization, but by urbanization, too. For the first time in history, more people live in towns and cities than in the countryside. Across the globe, we are forgetting our rural roots, but I believe that country life, its values and people have never had more to offer.”

Country is classic Jasper Conran; absolutely timeless and a unique mix of heritage and modernity. Beautifully conceived, beautifully photographed and beautifully written, Country is realistic, full of ideas and completely engrossing – this book allows you to live the dream.

“It's country living, country style, nostalgia, landscape, interiors, detail, still-life, colour, texture, shape, mood and reflection. The breathtaking, beautiful photographs capture our yearning for living a simple country life, revelling in stunning landscapes, timeless interiors and close details of textures and objects ... a book to treasure and sheer balm for the soul.” Sue Baker, The Bookseller

Published April 2010, Conran Octopus, £45, Hardback

For more information, or to request a review copy please contact:
Liz Worrall at liz.worrall@octopus-publishing.co.uk or 020 7531 8636.

Book photography by Andrew Montgomery.
www.andrewmontgomery.com