The launch of this publication marks the largest and most innovative ceramic art installation created in Britain in recent years. The North Sketch Sequence is an architectural and artistic marvel, made of 659 hand-built ceramic panels lining an entire gallery at Chatsworth, Derbyshire. The design cleverly depicts the DNA of the present Duke of Devonshire, his family, and everyman.
This stunning interpretation of portraiture has been described by Alain de Botton as ‘A beautiful poetic work which is exemplary in the way it manages to turn information (of which we have so much, and which usually leaves us so cold) into art (which touches our hearts).’
The publication features essays from the artist, Jacob van der Beugel; the patron, The Duke of Devonshire; the gallerist, Joanna Bird; and the architect, Peter Inskip. In addition critical reflections on the work have been contributed by Sandy Nairne, Director of the NPG; Michael White, Professor of Art History at York University; and critics Emma Crichton-Miller and Richard Cork.