Who founded Thames & Hudson and when?
Thames & Hudson was founded in 1949 by Walter and Eva Neurath. Walter was born in Vienna in 1903 and had previously run an art gallery there before moving to London in 1938.
Questions about Thames & Hudson
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What does the name Thames & Hudson mean?
The name Thames & Hudson refers to the River Thames in London and the Hudson River in New York. Neurath chose the name to signal that the company would publish simultaneously in both British and North American markets.
What was Walter Neurath's vision for Thames & Hudson?
Neurath's stated aim was to create a "museum without walls" by making art and the research of top scholars available to a wider public at a price they could afford.
How many titles does Thames & Hudson have in print?
Thames & Hudson currently has over 2,000 titles in print. It is one of the largest publishers of illustrated books in the world.
What is the Thames & Hudson World of Art series?
The World of Art is a pocket-sized series with black spines that Thames & Hudson launched in 1958. It grew to 49 titles within its first seven years and has now produced over 300 titles.
Is Thames & Hudson still a family-owned company?
Yes. Thames & Hudson remains an independent, family-owned company. As of 2025, the third generation of the Neurath family, Thomas Neurath's daughters Johanna and Susanna, sit on the board of directors.