The Decorative Arts Dictionary is a comprehensive guide that covers 150 years of the decorative and applied arts. These articles provide an in-depth exploration of the evolution of decorative arts from the mid-19th century to the present day. It covers various topics, including furniture, ceramics, glassware, textiles, metalwork, and jewellery.
It offers a fascinating insight into how art movements have influenced decorative arts over time and how they continue to shape contemporary design today. Whether you are a collector, designer, or art enthusiast, these articles will surely provide you with a wealth of knowledge on this fascinating subject.
Neon Lighting. Semiflexible, hollow tubes of clear acrylic with small bulbs inside that can be connected to light up all at once or sequentially to produce a “chasing” effect. It’s also known as disco lighting, and it’s given homeowners new illumination alternatives. Lights designers consider neon lighting to be an art form.Read More →
Affichiste. Name (literally ‘poster designer‘) taken by the French artists and photographers Raymond Hains (1926-) and Jacques de la Villeglé (1926-), who met in 1949 and created a technique to create collages from pieces of torn-down posters during the early 1950s. These works, which they displayed for the first time in 1957, were called affiches lacérées (torn posters). Read More →
The Shaker movement influenced American design with minimalist furniture and kitchens, emphasising simplicity, functionality, durability, and sustainability, appealing to contemporary aesthetics.Read More →
Spool beds, known as Jenny Lind Style, feature intricately turned spindles resembling spools. Once popular, now a relic, still prized by antique collectors.Read More →
A method of printing from a design drawn directly on a slab of stone or other suitable material. The design is not raised in relief as in woodcut or incised as in line engraving, but drawn on a smooth printing surface. Initially, this surface was provided with a slab of unique limestone, but metal (usually zinc or aluminium) or more recently plastic sheets were prefered because they are less bulky. Read More →
Regency tankards, crafted in England between 1811-1820, showcase intricate low-relief figures, making them valued collectibles representing historical artistry and conversation pieces.Read More →
Wrought iron is a low-carbon, slag-bearing form of iron shaped by hammering and rolling. This guide explains its meaning, history, architectural uses and differences from cast iron and mild steel.Read More →
The brandy bowls, produced in 17th and 18th century Holland and Friesland, were used in childbirth ceremonies. This silver example showcases detailed engraving and religious iconography.Read More →
The quaich is a traditional Scottish drinking vessel with two handles, used mainly during ceremonies. It symbolizes unity and incorporates unique customs like “kissing the quaich.”Read More →
A jardinière is an ornamental plant holder that originated in the 1760s, evolving through Japanese influences, and remains popular today for enhancing interior and exterior spaces.Read More →