Singapore Sketchbook is a celebration of streets and buildings, classic scenes and marvelous architectural details. Singapore is a thriving, modern city; but a mixture of modernity and a rich heritage, often beautifully restored, gives it a unique character.

The willingness to conserve the best of Singapore’s old buildings, already well in evidence when the first edition of this book appeared, continues unabated and the results are recorded in paintings and pencil sketches produced specially for this new edition. A stroll through almost any part of the island will take you past enchanting restored shophouses and a variety of busy religious, civic and commercial structures.

I’m not sure why I took as long as I did to finally review this splendid book; perhaps because I’m Singaporean and growing up I just took the beautiful sights showcased in this book for granted, but now that I’m based in Vancouver I have a renewed appreciation and nostalgia for all things Singaporean.

The watercolor illustrations are painted with amazing detail by the artist Graham Byfield, and complementing the excellent art work is the thick, matte paper stock on which they are printed on, which gives a really nice tactile feel when flipping through the pages, almost like one is viewing the artist’s original sketchbook.

A most delightful and charmingly collection of watercolor illustrations showcasing some of the most iconic and beautiful heritage buildings of Singapore. As a Singaporean who have been away from the country for close to a decade now, these illustrations sure make me miss home. Very highly recommended.

One final parting note, which is more for travelers who might be interested to visit Singapore for these sights; although this book was first published way back in 1995; most, if not all of these buildings are still standing, because many of them are heritage sites protected by the government.

Singapore Sketchbook – An Island Observed art book details :

– Dimensions – ‎ 10.11 x 0.88 x 11.5 inches
– Hardcover, 96 pages
– Full color, in English

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