Publisher Description

Christopher Dresser (1834–1904) was arguably the first British industrial designer, and this 1862 work was his most influential book. He worked in a variety of media, from wallpaper and textile design to metalwork and ceramics, but was also a botanist, and his two professorial roles in fine and ornamental arts, at the South Kensington Museum and the Crystal Palace, included the teaching of botany. Unlike William Morris, Dresser believed that good design could and should be mass-produced by industrial methods, so that it became affordable to all classes. He describes here how decorative ornament should be used in design, the importance of taking inspiration from natural (usually plant) models, and issues of proportion, balance and gradation. The book, which encouraged the rising middle classes to decorate their homes themselves, is highly illustrated: the colour plates can be viewed online at , by clicking on the 'Resources' button.

Author Biography

Christopher Dresser is considered by many to have been the most influential designer of the nineteenth century, and his designs later had a major influence on the Arts & Crafts and Modernist movements. In this reprint of the classic Studies in Design, the timeless designs and wisdom of Christopher Dresser are showcased. Dresser's designs, which later influenced other artisans such as William Morris, reveal exotic influences from locations such as Egypt, Japan, China, India, and Morocco. Originally published in 1875, these beautifully reproduced designs and timeless design theories have endurin

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. Primarily, on the nature and character of ornament; 2. The ministrations of plants to ornament; 3. Grades in decorative art; 4. The affinity of the aesthetic arts; 5. Analysis of ornamental forms; 6. Order; 7. Repetition; 8. Curves; 9. Proportion; 10. Alternation; 11. Adaptation; 12. The power of ornament to express feelings and ideas; 13. Principles common to ornament; Appendix.

Promotional

This illustrated 1862 book, describing how to incorporate ornament into design, encouraged the middle classes to decorate their homes themselves.

Promotional "Headline"

This illustrated 1862 book, describing how to incorporate ornament into design, encouraged the middle classes to decorate their homes themselves.

Description for Bookstore

Christopher Dresser (1834-1904) was arguably the first British industrial designer, working in a variety of media, and this 1862 work was his most influential book. Highly illustrated, it describes how to incorporate ornament into design, and encouraged the rising middle classes to decorate their homes themselves.

Description for Library

Christopher Dresser (1834-1904) was arguably the first British industrial designer, working in a variety of media, and this 1862 work was his most influential book. Highly illustrated, it describes how to incorporate ornament into design, and encouraged the rising middle classes to decorate their homes themselves.

Details