Book Review: Jim Thompson: The Thai Silk Sketchbook

Jim Thompson: The Thai Silk Sketchbook is one of the earlier watercolour sketchbooks by artist Graham Byfield. This one was published in 1997. I managed to find this gem in the library by chance.

The sketchbook was published to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the opening of the Jim Thompson Thai Silk shop in Bangkok, Thailand.

It's a beautiful sketchbook with wonderful drawings of scenes of everyday life in Thailand, the temples, streets, wooden houses, peaceful settings. The paper used is very watercolour-like so the watercolour sketches look really good.

The book focuses on the American businessman Jim Thompson and his involvement in Thailand's silk making industry. It's a fascinating read about how silk making has developed, and how it has changed the lives of people involved, the process itself and what the silk is used for.

The accompanying drawings goes behind the scenes to different areas where silk is made, and even to Jim Thompson's beautiful Thai-style house with the steep roofs. The pictures are printed satisfyingly big in this 72-page hardcover.

Since the book was released in 1997, it might not be easy to find it today.

Very lovely book.

Jim Thompson: The Thai Silk Sketchbook is available at Amazon (US | UK)

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