Book Review: Del Kathryn Barton's The Nightingale And The Rose

When Archibald Prize-winning artist and marie claire favourite Del Kathryn Barton mentioned during our “I Do” shoot that she had just finished her first-ever book, we couldn't wait to get our hands on a copy.

Out this month, The Nightingale And The Rose (Dott Publishing, $79.95) brings to life the heartbreaking Oscar Wilde classic. The sumptuous artwork, richly layered with pattern and detail, is intoxicating.

We asked the artist what had drawn her into her first foray in illustration. “How could I resist The Nightingale And The Rose by Oscar Wilde and an opportunity to work with the uncompromising team at Art & Australia! A dream project! This is a story where love is radical transformation. It seems possible to me that the nightingale is the true artist, she gives completely of her deepest essence.”

The Nightingale And The Rose has a limited first run of 1000 copies and is available from www.artandaustralia.com.au and all good bookstores. And don't miss your chance to see the stunning original artworks at Heide Museum in Victoria in November and at Newcastle Regional Gallery in December.