( 5 reviews )
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Posted: Feb 19 2006
I had to review this book in response to the previous review, giving it one star is unbelievable (But I guess we're all entitled to our opinion)! The book is essentially a visual hommage to these two houses (1 + 2) that Frey built in the California desert. It is simple in concept and execution, and is but a small and beautiful introduction to Frey's work. It is an aesthetic object in itself, a bijoux, a little gem. The book has wonderful photographs and design, especially the desert colors used throughout that reflect the simplicity of the desert landscape and Frey's architecture. If you're looking for any indepth knowledge of Frey and his work, try Joseph Rosa's book instead. If you're looking for a beautiful little book (for a good price!), and an interesting interview, try this book. It won't necessarily extensively nourish the mind, but will, and did for me, provide some visual inspiration and desire to learn more about the man and the work. From the book: "This book is primarily visual, emphasizing the materiality of Albert Frey's original studies. It begins with some pieces of his archive in their original colors and photographic formats, the media in which he designed and thought. With the new images that follow, it seeks to activate the experience, the textures, and the aesthetic of his Palm Springs homes."
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( 0 of 4 found this review helpful ) Posted: Dec 21 2002
The captionless pictures are an amateurish mish-mash--a wall here, a cupboard there, a flower pot, etc.--that intends to explain the houses by showing their components. There might be one or two actual pictures of the complete houses, but they're not especially flattering. Makes you appreciate professional photographers. No technical info either. There is an interview at the end, however, if you're willing to buy the book for that.
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( 3 of 3 found this review helpful ) Posted: Jul 9 2000
In London I stumbled on this beautiful book at the Tate museum. Interestingly Palm springs modernism seems to be a highly sought after style here and this book embodies the best of that look. I never knew Frey did the detailing of the Villa Savoye and helped execute the built in furniture. It is great to see that Europe architecture migrated and that within Europe today, the look that Frey designed for his own homes is very much appreciated and admired and inspires. If a picture is worth a thousand words, this book is invaluable.
