In 1888, the Beken family moved to the Isle of Wight, in the small port of Cowes, famous for its international sailing regatta, one of the oldest and most respected in the world. Young Frank Beken glanced out his bedroom window and had an epiphany that would transform the history of yachting. He watched the schooner Amphitrite glide past his house on the harbor, to compete against the world’s largest, most magnificent yachts racing at Cowes Week. Amphitrite was alive with abrupt movement and dramatic sounds, massive sails flapping in the wind. Frank thought: “Why not photograph each yacht in action, and record them forever?”A visual testament to the magnificence of the sport of sailing, Beken of Cowes prints are avidly sought after by relatives of the boats’ owners and crew, art historians and academics, naval architects and maritime aficionados, and exclusive yacht clubs the world over. After more than 130 years of documenting the annual race week, Beken of Cowes still serves as its institutional memory, preserving the yachts in all their majesty and power, a tradition that promises to carry on for years. As Keith Beken was fond of saying, the most satisfying photograph is the one “we shall take tomorrow.”Celebrating the very best in yachting, as photographed by the legendary Beken family for more than a century, Beken of Cowes: The Art of Sailing, 2nd edition features an expanded selection of the world’s most magnificent sailboats from the golden age of yachting. This exceptional Ultimate Collection volume is presented in a luxury clamshell case with an image printed on a metal plaque.
Cover materials
Handcrafted volume in a luxury clamshell case with image printed on metal plaque
ISBN
9781649806079
Weight
19.73 lb
Brand: Assouline
A WORD FROM THE FOUNDERSWe created this company to be the first luxury brand on culture. We wanted to supply everything for a contemporary library; we started working with top perfumers for scented candles, with Goyard for a book trunk, with Chanel on a quilted leather slipcase, and so on. Now we are expanding the Assouline lifestyle brand in stores in the most important cities of the world. We love and believe in books more than everything else, but we also want to extend our vision to create all that can be expected in a chic and personalized library, from beautiful books and special editions to luxury gift items, unique library accessories, and now a complete turnkey collection of stylish furniture. Our digital world goes faster than ever and nothing remains of it, but books are the solid part of our past and present. They also are beauty. For us, books are a matter of intellect and emotion, of heritage and innovation. Because information is not only about today, and the past is a sensational source of inspiration.-Prosper & Martine AssoulineTHE BRANDFounded in Paris in 1994 by Prosper and Martine Assouline, Assouline is the first luxury brand on culture. It began with the desire to create a new, contemporary style of book, using the couple's experienced eye for visually rich stories and compelling narratives.Guided by their passion for knowledge, culture and travel, the Assoulines have since expanded their vision to 1,700 titles in three main collections, along with special editions and unique library accessories—a grand oeuvre of inspiring creations. Throughout the last quarter of a century, the brand has established a network of international boutiques in prominent locations across the globe. Assouline has also inaugurated a curated library service, working closely with clients to visualize, design, and develop bespoke, one-of-a-kind libraries.With a distinguished team of creative talents—which includes the founders' son Alexandre—the brand continues to reinvent the notion of true luxury. Assouline’s roster of collaborators includes some of the world’s most respected brands, artists, photographers, writers and designers.Assouline continues to exude an unparalleled signature style and elegant savoir faire, which has globally redefined modern publishing.