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Never before has a book examined the intimate link between the fine art of purse making and the fashion history of purses - until now.The volume expands upon recognizing purses as art, the delicate art of purse making, architecture as inspiration, the manufacture of mesh, a look at fabric, rare and unusual pieces, vanity bags and compact purses, frames, and works of celluloid. The book traces the transformation of fine art masterpieces into vintage beaded and petit point purses identifying those taken from the paintings of Raphael, Millet, and Fragonard, among others. Along with detailed photographs, there are vintage advertisements and catalogs, original design sketches, purse-making instructions, and rare assembly photographs, which provide fascinating peeks behind the production scene. 2004 values. AUTHORBIO: Lynell Schwartz is owner of The Curiosity Shop in Chesire, Connecticut, for more than a decade. Her articles and antiques have appeared in many national magazines and newspapers. She is nationally recognized as an authority on ladies' vintage accessories and is the publisher of the purse collector's newsletter and author of Purse Masterpieces, Vintage Purses At Their Best, and Vintage Compacts and Beauty Accessories. REVIEW: This book expands upon recognizing purses as art by taking a closer look at the breathtaking array of fabric, the manufacture of mesh, the elaborate frames, and intriguing works of celluloid. Some of the rarest and most unusual pieces are highlighted. In addition to exquisite bags, there are vintage advertisements and catalogs, original design sketches, purse-making instructions, and rare assembly photographs.
