In the current climate of minimalism and conceptualism in Britain, The Ruralists focuses on a number of artists who have rejected the notion of breaking down artistic, philosophical and national boundaries, a movement that stated on its foundation in 1975 the intention of returning to the tradition of William Blake and Samuel Palmer, to the principles of English landscape painting. Focusing primarily on the work of Peter Blake, Graham Ovenden, Graham Arnold, David Inshaw, Annie Ovenden and Ann Arnold, Christopher Martin's text discusses the origins of the movement, the individual preoccupations of its members and some of the themes that unite their work: Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland, Shakespeare's Ophelia and Faeries. With an abundance of colourful illustrations, The Ruralists brings into question a highly controversial and critically divisive issue: the identity of British art and the validity of a continuing landscape tradition. The series Art and Design draws its impetus from international art exhibitions, new publications and critical issues. It has established a leading reputation for examining modern and contemporary art in depth and encouraging discussions on new art. Establishing a forum of international artists, architects, philosophers and writers, each issue focuses on a new theme, combining critical texts with interviews and written statements, providing a lasting platform for the colourful and often conflicting voices dominating the international art scene.