Creative design books by Ernst Rottger
For those of you who love mid-century craft books, I came across this fab series published by B.T. Batsford Ltd (now called Batsford Books) in the early 1960’s. Written by Ernst Röttger it contains images of students work from a variety of ages and covers areas such as Clay, Paper, Fabric, Wood, Metal, Different Surfaces and Creative Drawing. 
Here’s a few images from different books in the series. I wonder if the creator of the kids series Fingerbobs had read these books !
Looking at sculpting in clay and wood.
Mark-making, exploring shapes, textures and line.
Designers like Jurianne Matter have explored and modernised these lantern ideas (below) that we used to make as children.
I expect, due to the popularity of this series which was reprinted about 9 times, publishers Batsford Books extended the series, they included more books, this time by Rolf Hartung and covering areas like textiles, colour and corrugated paper craft.
If you like this era of craft books then check out some more suggestions on the Hippli Books Site. Don’t forget to enter Monday’s competition for a chance to win a copy of Benji Davies’s new paperback picture book for children, On Sudden Hill, see here for more details.
fishinkblog.com 
Brought to mind Joan Miro (top right photo, ‘mark-making, showing shapes, textures and lines).
Yep I can see where you’re coming from with Miro too
Who could forget Fingerbobs?!! This is surely where they got the idea from! Lovely pics as ever Craigus!! Keep it up!
Thanks Lizzie, I’ll look out for an italian fingerbobs on your blog sometime soon then : )
Now that would be stylish wouldn’t it!!! ;o)
Perhaps you can make a chocolate one for us ?
Hmmm, I don’t see that lasting long…..nom nom nom!!! ;o)
I had a couple of those.Very inspiring they were too.
Always good to hear. Any others along these lines worth looking at ?
I had these books in the mid 1960’s and they shaped my work as an artist. Very grateful for that. I wish they were still easy to get. The infirmation is invaluable to any image maker!!
Thanks Clarita for your comments. So glad they sparked some recognition from your memories. They are still available to pick up from Ebay and Abe Books etc but obvioulsy the copies are oftem quite ‘loved’ and therefore a little worn. Happy hunting all the same. 🙂
Yes I may see if I can buy one, especially the punt and line one. I am originally from Holland, where I had it in dutch. The author was very inspired. Now I live in peru. I wish I could post a drawing. Those techniques are especially suited to printing.
Wow that’s quite a change of life lol I trained as a printer for textile design, that’s possibly why this series initially caught my eye. I hope you find the book you want and they ship to Peru. Happy searching.