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.
The Complete Pattern Directory: 1500 Designs from All Ages and Cultures
By Elizabeth Wilhide
The Complete Pattern Directory is the most comprehensive, useful, and beautiful directory of patterns throughout history, covering all eras, styles, and cultures. It is an invaluable resource for any designer, crafter, artist, or historian.
Patterns have existed in countless variations of motif, colour, and scale throughout history. Since immemorial, pattern-making has been an integral part of the decorative arts, from the first rhythmic marks pressed onto clay vessels to the most recent digital design.
The Complete Pattern Directory is a visual feast and resource with 1500 illustrations of patterns from all ages and cultures. The book is divided into chapters based on pattern type, including Flora, Fauna, Pictorial, Geometric, and Abstract designs. The pattern’s name, the year it was created, and a short description are all included with each pattern. In-depth features on key designers such as William Morris, Sonia Delaunay, Charles and Ray Eames, Lucienne Day, and Orla Kiely and sections detailing key period styles’ distinctive motifs from Baroque to Art Deco round out the categories.
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