The Art of Illustration
A Painter’s Perspective is a beautifully presented book honouring the extraordinary 50-year career of one of the most respected architectural illustrators, Marianne Topham, who died in 2023.
The book is a beautifully curated tribute to both her private studio practice and her professional collaborations with leading interior designers and architects.
Commissioned by Todhunter Earle, Tim Gosling, Rita Konig and Nina Campbell, A Painter’s Perspective is a visual treat for anyone interested in interiors, art and design.
The Painter’s Perspective marks Marianne Topham’s extraordinary career whilst celebrating her remarkable interpretation of bringing rooms to life. The book showcases of 200 examples of work together with insights from designers and text from the interiors journalist, Giles Kime.
Why Perspective Still Matters in Interior Design
In a world dominated by digital rendering, Marianne Topham’s hand-drawn interior perspectives remind us of the enduring power of illustration to convey not just structure, but atmosphere. Her newly published book, Perspectives, is a tribute to her 50-year career collaborating with interior designers and architects—offering a rare insight into how drawn perspectives shape the way we feel about space.
Unlike flat plans or elevations, interior perspectives invite the viewer to step inside a room before it’s built. They capture scale, depth and spatial relationships in a way that feels immersive—bridging the gap between concept and reality. These drawings allow designers to communicate their vision with clarity, while helping clients make more informed decisions about layout, proportion and flow.
But their value goes beyond practical function. A well-executed perspective evokes mood and emotion. It can transform an empty room into an experience—and offer a glimpse of a life lived within it.
Topham’s work reminds us that perspective is not just a tool, but a craft—and one that continues to play a vital role in the design process. It is still one of the more delightful approaches to a presentation of a design.
Known for her atmospheric, hand-drawn perspectives, Marianne has worked closely with interior designers and architects to bring imagined spaces vividly to life. Her drawings don’t just depict a room—they evoke the mood, scale and spirit of being in it.
The book showcases the depth, delicacy and storytelling that have defined her work for five decades—offering a rare glimpse into the artistry behind some of the most memorable visualisations in design
Marianne was regarded highly by those who worked with her as a master of capturing the imagination of a scheme that only lived in the mind of the designer.
A Painter’s Perspective is available to buy from www.todhunterearle.com
