Where do artists work? Amidst chaos? In the garden? In a space of their own? Alex Johnson presents the studios of 52 artists from around the world.

Studios of Their Own sent me on a wonderful trail of discovery and rediscovery as I looked up the key works of each artist featured. Now I know I love Edward Bawden’s linework, Constantin Brâncusi’s sculptures, Albrecht Dürer’s ‘Rhinoceros’ woodcut, and Yinka Shonibare’s everything. These works aren’t included in Alex Johnson’s book, but it’s impossible not to be curious when you’re nosing about the studios.

Arranged alphabetically by artist, each of the fifty-odd studios are illustrated by James Oses. I love his style: loose and informal, with a sort of chirpy happiness underlying his watercolours. The illustrations are a pleasure to flip through, and draw the eye to unusual or striking elements about the artist and their workplace.

Putting the studios in the frame gives interesting insights into the personalities of the artists. Frances Bacon’s studio (and gambling den) is a headache of clutter and chaos. Georgia O’Keefe’s windowsill is lined with bleached skulls and bones. Rosa Bonheur had fishing nets and old armour hanging on her walls. Claude Monet painted from a river barge. Kate Greenaway warned away all visitors - unless it was an absolute emergency. Do we see suggestions of this in their work?

Turns out I rather fancy Edward Bawden’s tidy studio: all natural light and greenery, canvases hanging from the beams, a great long desk overlooking the garden, and a cat on a yellow sofa. Though I wouldn’t say no to Georgia O’Keefe’s stunning mountain view and Paul Cezanne’s window.

Studios of Their Own: Where Great Artists Work is a lovely dip-in, dip-out book for casual reading. I’m now keen to hunt for a copy of Johnson’s earlier book Rooms of Their Own: Where Great Writers Write - also illustrated by James Oses.

Many thanks to Alex Johnson, Frances Lincoln, and NetGalley for my advanced reading copy. I shall keep my eyes open for Studios of Their Own in the wild.

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