Presidential Art Collection (3 Volumes)

Istanbul: Presidential Publications, 2014. Hardcover. As New. All three volumes: Very fine, woven, grey coated paper/boards. Laid-on color illustration and gild lettering on both front cover and spine. Paginated with 397; 399; 271 pp. and illustrated with mostly color images throughout each volume, although Volume 2 contains a number of photographs in bw. Not in slipcase; no dust jackets. Three heavy volumes (15 pounds - 6.80 kilos). Will require extra postage. Text in English. The catalogue of the sumptuous works of Turkish art in the Presidential Art Collection, including paintings, photography, ceramics, sculpture, and calligraphy. "With unmatched interest and concern, the 11th Turkish president Abdullah Gül, who was elected in 2007, and his wife, Hayrünnisa Gül, initiated the restoration and renovation of many Presidential buildings in the Çankaya (Ankara) and Tarabya (Istanbul) premises. In this context, the furnishings of the renovated buildings were replaced, and all artworks within the Presidential collection examined, with a significant number of new works added. Many updates were made to preserve, transport, and display the works in the Presidential art collection in conditions that meet world standards. The whole collection was digitized, making it easy and safe to control and track the artworks with the help of optical reader systems. The Presidential Office undertook a pioneering role in preserving for future generations the art heritage of Turkey, which had been neglected for years. In another pioneering attempt by the Presidential Office, the valuable works in the collection in need of conservation and preservation were restored in the context of a project executed with the collaboration of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and Mimar Sinan University of Fine Arts, Istanbul. Permanent channels of interaction were established among all the participating partners, aiming to make the results available to other institutions as well. With the personal involvement and supervision of Hayrünnisa Gül, a detailed classification and evaluation of the collection was made. All artworks in the collection possessing historical or artistic value have been conserved and restored. When making new acquisitions, priority was given to those artists whose works were not already featured in the collection." An incredibly well-produced and beautiful trio of catalogues.