Complete Pebble Mosaic Handbook: Revised and Expanded Second Edition, Maggy Howarth, 2009. Firefly Books Ltd., 256 pages, 8 3/8 x 11 1/8”, $29.95 (paper).
An evocative landscape encompasses many arts. In this book, we are treated to a mesmerizing exposé of one of the oldest forms of garden decoration. The art of pebble mosaics stands apart from other mosaics in the use of irregularly shaped natural stones. It is the amalgamation of organic beauty with human ingenuity that gives a pebble mosaic its emotional impact. Eternally popular, pebble mosaics are utilized in traditional and über modern landscapes the world over. Maggy Howarth, an accomplished artist from the UK, has compiled stunning examples of their complexity and beauty in many styles–the plentiful photographs are guaranteed to inspire. No lie, this book is indeed complete with every aspect of design, material selection, installation and care considered. Designing, planning and correctly installing a pebble mosaic is labor intensive and the illustrations of the process contribute to our awe. Installation techniques are well detailed and include methods for in situ and pre-cast work for both frost-prone and frost-free areas, as well as indoor environments. Appropriate as a coffee table book and an instructive text, beginner and pro alike will not be disappointed. I’ve begun searching for just the perfect flat location on my property to try a small scale mosaic. I can only aspire to creating a pebble mosaic as amazing as the ones in this book. The great news is, this is the only book I’ll need for the project, start to finish.
I remember seeing a gorgeous piece of Maggys work at Chelsea, (the one time I went). I would love to see a post on your creation.
What amazes me about the pebble type mosaics is how much of the process is the collecting and grouping of the stones according to color and size. Truly an endeavor!