Description:

Bill Hammond: Across the Evening Sky

An artist with a singular vision, Bill Hammond was one of the greats of Aotearoa New Zealand’s art history. This exquisite book on his legendary bird and cave paintings was created in collaboration with the artist before his passing in 2021.

A poster-sized, folded dust jacket showing one of Bill’s most magnificent paintings wraps the book. Against the dark blue hues of the artwork, the gold foil of the title on cover and spine catches the light. Unwrapping the dust jacket reveals a smooth, uncoated black hardcover, again with gold titling.

Inside, gold foil is again used on the title pages – first on black paper, then on cream – including for the printing of an evocative poem by Elinor Wylie that leads the reader into the book. Gold ink is used on the endpapers and as a feature colour highlighting important moments in the book.

The book is printed on two paperstocks: a creamy uncoated stock for the texts, and a matt art paper in the plates section to best display Bill’s paintings. The principal typeface is Clarendon Bold, with body copy in Caslon. A pale gold ribbon marks the reader’s place.

The design celebrates the work of this singular and much-loved artist, thoughtfully leading the reader through texts by Rachael King, Nic Low, Paul Scofield, Ariana Tikao and Peter Vangioni and a rare interview between Bill and fellow artist Tony de Lautour; then into a jaw-dropping selection of more than thirty of the artist’s major paintings, including many mesmerising close-up details; and finally a section of short responses to Bill’s practice by artists including Fiona Pardington, Marlon Williams and Shane Cotton among many others.

In every page of this beautifully designed book, the will and work of the artist was at the fore.