Florence Broadhurst: Her Secret & Extraordinary Lives
by Helen O'Neill
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 85)
Another split review. The design of the book is incredible and is of the highest quality. Broadhurst's designs leap off the page in a dazzling array of styles and colors. She (or whoever really did design them) was incredibly gifted and this book will be a treasure trove for designers (5 stars for design).
The text of the book is another story. The problem is that too much of the story is devoted to examining who murdered her. For someone who lived in a large manner over three continents...more
The text of the book is another story. The problem is that too much of the story is devoted to examining who murdered her. For someone who lived in a large manner over three continents...more
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Read in June, 2007
Perfect combo of my three topics; design, murder and fraud. The character, Florence Broadhurst was just that, a character. A woman that constantly reinvented herself to get ahead and succeed. She gets whacked in the end but it only adds to the appeal of her story. Loved it and gorgeous reproductions of her work. If not for the story, pick it up for a design reference book.
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Read in January, 2007
recommends it for:
People who like a real life character
This is the lady who invented reinvention. She was an Australian who ended her days as a famous wallpaper designer- Fabulous stuff BTW-She even got herself murdered in her 70's- But her life leading up to this is nuts-running away to a career on the stage in the Orient as a young girl- Fashion designer in London later on- Lots of husbands and a whole lot more- It's a good one!
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Read in June, 2007
recommends it for:
designers, entrepreneurs
Quite apart from the gorgeous textile designs, this is a great yarn (pun intended). Florence was almost blind, yet she produced an amazing array of designs right up until her untimely and still-unsolved murder. She was incredibly resourceful, a career chameleon, and knew exactly how to make a profit from society's snobbery.
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Read in August, 2007
recommended to Erica by:
stumbled upon it by pure luckrecommends it for: visual artists, people interested in facades and extraordinary lives
I have a love/hate relationship with Florence Broadhurst. She was dynamic woman who manipulated reality. Her life and work is fascinating and beautiful, and the story of her demise curious for readers fascinated w/ mystery and murder (such as myself).
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Read in October, 2007
well worth the read. my issue with nonfiction is typically the writing itself, and that is my issue here. the narrative has little flow. but the story itself and the wallpaper images throughout the book absolutely make up for it.
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Read in January, 2007
Very interesting and tragic story about a woman whose work I'd seen reproduced often, but had never heard of... Excellent book design and extensive catalog of Broadhurst's unique patterns.
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Read in August, 2007
the story was pretty interesting but the writing wasn't all that great. i really loved the samples of her wallpaper though. it's a very pretty book.
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Read in June, 2008
So far, so good. Includes reproductions of her designs. Visually, it's a beautiful book that would look good on any bookcase.
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Read in August, 2007
recommends it for:
anyone with creative or artistic flair.
I love the visual aspects of this book --I find it very inspiring. The life of Florence is very intriguing. I admire her in many ways.
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Read in May, 2008
interesting biography... it's informative if you are interested in screenprinting, and it's inspiring. i love the textiles.
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Read in January, 2008
Bought this one to be inspired by the patterns but am really enjoying the very interesting story of her life as well.
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you wouldn't think a biography about a textile designer would be so entertaining, but then you would be wrong.
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Read in February, 2008
salacious love affairs, secret identities, bold patterns, pretty much an US weekly issue as a biography.
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extraordinary for sure. amazing woman, amazing vision. sociopathic visionary.
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Read in January, 2008
interesting life! fantastic illustrations and pics of her wallpaper designs.
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