Two Principles of Modern Decorative Art: Crane’s Warning Against Fashionable Novelty
Walter Crane’s modern decorative art theory, set out after his visit to the Turin exhibition of 1902, remains one of the clearest Arts and CraftsRead More →
January 31, 2025
Join me at Encyclopedia Design, where we delve into the rich tapestry of the decorative and applied arts. Each post spans over 250 years of innovation and unveils the history, craftsmanship, and aesthetic principles that shape our everyday environments. Explore fascinating stories about furniture, textiles, ceramics, and more. Discover how design not only decorates but also defines our world. Ready to uncover the beauty of design?
Walter Crane’s modern decorative art theory, set out after his visit to the Turin exhibition of 1902, remains one of the clearest Arts and CraftsRead More →
Supermannerism, a contemporary design critique, embraces ornamental complexity, historical references, and contradiction, challenging Modernist principles while celebrating playful and expressive aesthetics.Read More →
Introduction Andrew Jackson Downing stands as a pivotal figure in the formation of nineteenth-century American design culture. As a landscape architect, horticulturalist, and influential author,Read More →
Nancy Vincent McClelland (1877–1959) was an American interior designer, historian, and tastemaker whose work shaped the revival of historic interiors in the United States. SheRead More →
James Powell & Sons was a leading British glassware manufacturer active from the late nineteenth century into the early twentieth century. Renowned for its revivalRead More →
Primavera design studio in Paris, founded in 1913, significantly influenced the Art Deco movement by synthesising craftsmanship and modern aesthetic, making design accessible to all.Read More →
The Arts and Crafts Movement, led by William Morris, sought to restore craftsmanship and aesthetics amidst industrialisation, influencing modern design through principles of social responsibility and unity of art.Read More →
The following posts are a selection of French Designers that I have posted about over the last year. French design styles incorporate the new and the old. It is bold and sophisticated. It is attention to detail, whether a brooch, a clock, fabric, or glass. Read More →
The Artek Collection 2026 showcases timeless furniture designs by Alvar Aalto and contemporary collaborators, emphasising durability, functionality, and beauty in everyday objects for modern living.Read More →
The book chronicles the transformation of New York City subway signage from chaos to clarity, highlighting design evolution, especially the gradual adoption of Helvetica as standard typographic language.Read More →