Decorative & Applied Arts

150 Years Of Decorative And Applied Arts have brought forth a plethora of artistic movements and styles that have shaped how we perceive and appreciate art today. From the ornate designs of the Art Nouveau movement to the sleek lines of Art Deco, decorative art reflects society’s values and tastes. On the other hand, applied art has focused on the functionality and practicality of design, with examples ranging from furniture to fashion.

Throughout history, artists have used various mediums to express their creativity, including ceramics, glassware, textiles, and metalwork. The influence of decorative and applied art can be seen in many aspects of our daily lives, from the architecture of buildings to the products we use. As we continue to evolve as a society, so will our appreciation for these art forms.

Modern living room with transparent glass chair, console table, and garden view

FIAM Italia: Pioneers of Curved Glass Furniture

Discover FIAM Italia, the Tavullia manufacturer founded by Vittorio Livi in 1973 and celebrated for its innovative one-piece curved glass furniture.Read More →

Aircraft assembly workers in Building Planes by John Armstrong, 1940

John Armstrong (1893–1973): British Painter, Designer and Ceramic Artist

John Armstrong was a distinctive figure in twentieth-century British art whose work encompassed painting, murals, advertising, theatre, cinema and ceramic design.Read More →

Fallingwater designed by Frank Lloyd Wright above a Pennsylvania waterfall

Frank Lloyd Wright: Architecture, Furniture and Organic Design

Explore Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic architecture, Prairie houses, furniture, interiors and enduring influence on modern American design.Read More →

Castelli Maiolica Apothecary Jug: Renaissance Form and Function

This sixteenth-century Castelli maiolica apothecary jug unites a functional spout and handle with vivid female profile portraits and the medicinal inscription “oximel”.Read More →

Ornate ceramic vase with floral patterns displayed on a black pedestal

Doulton Silicon Ware: History, Decoration and Revival

Doulton Silicon Ware was a distinctive high-fired English stoneware made at Lambeth, recognised for its matt smear glaze and carved, incised, perforated and applied decoration.Read More →

Vintage radio, rotary telephone, lounge chair, desk lamp, and office chair

American Industrial Designers: Pioneers, Products and Lasting Influence

Explore the American industrial designers who transformed products, transportation, furniture and everyday life through innovation and mass production.Read More →

Decorative Imari plates with horse and floral designs on wooden cabinet

Gosu Aka-e: Chinese Porcelain in Japanese Ceramics

Gosu aka-e is a bold, red-overglaze porcelain originating from southern China, later adapted by Japanese potters, particularly Okuda Eisen, influencing tea culture and ceramic tradition.Read More →

'Brownies' stained glass window by Selwyn Image

The Art and History of Stained Glass

Stained glass, evolving from ancient practices to modern applications, transforms light into vivid forms and patterns, enriching spaces in religious and contemporary architecture alike.Read More →

Cover of Designing the V&A: The Museum as a Work of Art (1857-1909), published by Lund Humphries Publishers Ltd

Designing the V&A: The Museum as a Work of Art, 1857–1909

Julius Bryant’s Designing the V&A examines how architecture, engineering and decoration transformed the South Kensington museum into a work of art.Read More →

Craft workbench with wooden bowls, leather, woven baskets, and hand tools

A Guide to Australian Decorative Arts: Techniques and Materials

Australian decorative arts encompass ceramics, textiles, furniture, jewellery, glass and designed objects. Explore their history, materials, techniques and influential Australian designers.Read More →