Michael Boyd

From artworks and chairs to architecture, landscaping and interior design, Michael Boyd’s devotion to the principles of modernism is comprehensive. An artist and musician, he acquired his expertise as a collector, surrounding himself with rare and beautiful finds. His immersion in the philosophy and creativity of the masters inspired him to restore a succession of classic modern houses, curate exhibitions, create a versatile range of furniture and rugs, and design sculptural gardens. Millennium Modern: Living in Design details his work across the first two decades of the new millennium and reflects his belief that the tenets of modernism – honesty and simplicity - developed more than a century ago, are equally relevant to our pluralistic age. In contrast to the pioneers who wanted to do away with the past, his creations are deeply rooted in the history of design. Essays by Boyd and architectural writer Michael Webb, along with comments from collaborators and critics, explore each facet of his residential design. This beautifully illustrated volume reveals Boyd’s holistic design practice from his discovery of design classics in flea markets, to his own furniture designs, which feature in residential interiors, hotels and museums, through to his sensitive restoration of the houses by Paul Rudolph and Oscar Niemeyer, Richard Neutra and Craig Ellwood, and the sculptural landscapes he designed to enhance these residences, as well as masterpieces by John Lautner.

Craig Ellwood, the Cary Grant of architecture, was one of the most visible faces of California mid-century modernism. He was known as much for his exquisitely designed, minimalist structures as he was for his exuberant lifestyle. This book celebrates and explores the glamour of Ellwood s work, life, myth, and career. Through photographs, primarily of the iconic houses he designed in Southern California during the 1950s and 60s, we see a life of refined decadence, expressed through gorgeous architecture, fast cars, beautiful women, Hollywood style, palm trees, swimming pools, and minimalist design all in the context of the Southern California postwar building boom. This volume will appeal to design junkies, architecture buffs, students of modernism, and anyone interested in problem-solving and elegant solutions.

Michael Boyd's modestly-titled autobiography begins with peaceful memories of growing up in the 1950s in a Somerset village, playing football and going fishing and bird-nesting in the woods and marshes around Chew Valley Lake. After a brief career in the dairy business, Mike found himself plunged into the stormy world of industrial relations as a manager with the brewery giant Courage. His talent for handling negotiations with the trade unions led him to a senior operational job before he finally retired back to the peace of family life and his beloved garden.

A celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Bush Theatre Two new plays, Mackerel Sky by Hilary Fannin and Caravan by Helen Blakeman, are accompanied by highlights and reminiscences from Bush writers, actors and directors including Alan Plater, Dominic Dromgoole, Simon Callow, Victoria Wood, David Edgar, Philip Ridley, Snoo Wilson, Robert Holman, Jonathan Harvey, Conor McPherson, Kevin Elyot and Catherine Johnson."The West End may be starved of new work, but real drama flourishes at the Bush" Michael Billington