This article forms part of the Decorative and Applied Arts Encyclopedia, a master reference hub providing a structured overview of design history, materials, movements, and practitioners.
Candace Wheeler: The Art and Enterprise of American Design, 1875-1900
by Curator Amelia Peck (Author), Ms Carol Irish (Author), & 2 more
Candace Wheeler became the top late-nineteenth-century American textile designer by educating herself to match and eventually surpass the achievements of advanced European designers. She transitioned from needlework to fabric and interior design. She was a driving force behind the professionalisation of women in the design sector. She published influential books on decorating and was a driving force behind the professionalisation of women in the design sector.
This book includes a biographical narrative and a portfolio of over 100 designs by Wheeler and her partners for textiles, wallpaper, and other interior furnishings, that showcase her innovative and elegant style. Bold colours, intricate patterns, and luxurious materials characterised Wheeler’s designs. Various sources, including nature, art history, and cultural traditions worldwide inspired her work. Throughout her career, Wheeler advocated for greater recognition and respect for women in the design industry, paving the way for future generations of female designers. Her legacy inspires designers today, as her designs remain timeless examples of beauty and sophistication. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of design or the contributions of women to this field.
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Indonesia Traditional Weaving Beyond Clothing
Traditional weaving in Indonesia blends cultural heritage with contemporary relevance, adapting to modern interiors while promoting sustainability and economic empowerment without compromising its historical significance.Read More →
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Zika and Lida Ascher: Pioneers of 20th-Century Textile Design
Zika and Lida Ascher, 20th-century textile pioneers, revolutionized fabric design by bridging art and fashion through innovative collaborations and vibrant materials, leaving a lasting legacy.Read More →
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Marion Mahler: Pioneer of Mid-Century British Textile Design
Marion Mahler, a pioneering textile designer, shaped mid-century modern fabric design in Britain with bold geometric abstractions, leaving a lasting influence on home furnishings and design aesthetics.Read More →
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Akira Minagawa and the Aesthetic Vision of minä perhonen
Akira Minagawa’s minä perhonen blends traditional and modern design, emphasizing craftsmanship, sustainability, and cross-cultural influences, aiming for timelessness in fashion and textiles.Read More →
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Nani Marquina: A Visionary in Contemporary Rug Design
Nani Marquina, a pioneering designer, blends traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, creating sustainable, artistic rugs that reflect culture and support artisan communities worldwide.Read More →
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The Coldstream Guard at the Tower of London: Tradition Woven into Uniform
The author reflects on visiting the Tower of London, admiring the Coldstream Guard’s uniform, which embodies British tradition, history, and modern military relevance in ceremonial duties.Read More →
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Maija Isola: Pioneer of Finnish Textile Design
Maija Isola, a celebrated Finnish textile designer, created iconic patterns with Marimekko, notably the Unikko poppy, blending nature with abstraction and influencing modern Scandinavian design.Read More →
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Ilonka Karasz: A Trailblazer in Decorative Arts and Modern Design
Ilonka Karasz was a pioneering Hungarian-American designer whose diverse contributions to textiles, furniture, and illustration significantly shaped modern design in the 20th century.Read More →
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Weaving that Sings – Cultural Themes and Expressions
Weaving is a universal art form reflecting diverse cultures, showcasing tradition and identity through textiles like Andean tapestries, Scandinavian rugs, and Kente cloth, preserving history and creativity.Read More →
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Theoni Aldredge: A Visionary in Stage and Film Costume Design
Theoni Aldredge, a renowned costume designer, significantly impacted theater and film, winning an Oscar for “The Great Gatsby” and influencing future designers through her innovative work.Read More →
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The Psychology of Needlework: How Embroidery Promotes Mindfulness and Creativity
Embroidery merges creativity and mindfulness, promoting mental health by reducing stress, enhancing cognitive function, and preserving cultural narratives through artistic expression.Read More →
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Brocade Weaving: History and Techniques Explained
Brocade is an intricate fabric with a rich history, originating in ancient China and evolving through cultures, known for luxury, complex patterns, and modern applications in fashion.Read More →
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Textile History: From Ancient Weaving to Modern Innovations
Textiles have evolved from prehistoric fibers to a dynamic industry, reflecting human ingenuity, cultural exchange, and technological advancements throughout history, shaping economies and societies.Read More →
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Jane Churchill: A Leader in British Interior Design
Jane Churchill is a renowned British designer known for elegant fabrics and wallpapers that blend contemporary style with timeless appeal, influencing modern interior design significantly.Read More →
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The History and Impact of Chintz Fabric in Decorative Arts
Chintz fabric, originating in 16th-century India, has profoundly impacted decorative arts and fashion, known for its vibrant patterns and resurgence in modern design trends.Read More →
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Dimity: The Versatile Cotton Fabric of the 17th Century
Dimity, a durable cotton fabric with raised patterns, originated in Italy and became popular in England by the 17th century, used chiefly in home decor and textile arts.Read More →
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The Elegance of Lambrequins in Interior Design
A lambrequin is a decorative drapery element used in interiors and furniture, notable for scalloped designs. Originating in medieval times, it remains significant in modern design.Read More →
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French Art Deco Fabrics: Coco Chanel’s Revolutionary Influence
Coco Chanel’s textile innovation in the Art Deco era, especially her 1929 fabric, combined luxury with bold design, reshaping the relationship between fashion and functionality.Read More →
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Bold Patterns and Cultural Bridges: The Legacy of Marimekko’s Melooni Wall Hanging
The Melooni wall hanging, designed by Maija Isola in 1963, exemplifies mid-century textile design with its vibrant, geometric patterns and significant influence on modernist interiors.Read More →
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Jardinière Velvet: Luxurious Silk Velvet for Elegant Interiors
Jardinière velvet is a luxurious fabric featuring vibrant floral patterns on a light background, ideal for elegant upholstery and drapery in high-end interiors.Read More →
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The Finer Things: Timeless Furniture, Textiles, and Details – Encyclopedia of Design
By Christine Lemieux With a foreword by Miles Redd, this luxury decorating resource trains the eye to accept long-lasting, high-quality home goods and use them to dazzling design effect. It’s all about the quality. The furniture, objects, and aspects of our rooms should all speak to an enduring sense of beauty and comfort, just as a home’s foundation should.
The Decorative Thirties (hardcover 1988) – Encyclopedia of Design
by Martin Battersby The decorative thirties began in the 1930s and follows the era’s elegance until the end of World War II. The book deals with the arts and objets d’art of the ’30s in their most outrageous form.
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