Achilles Shield – Dictionary of Silverware
The Achilles Shield, a silver-gilt convex shield with a central medallion of the sun in a chariot, was designed by John Flaxman II between 1809 and 1818.Read More →

The design dictionary is an essential tool for any serious discussion on design. It provides a comprehensive and structured foundation for understanding the language of design and its many nuances. With its categorical approach, the dictionary allows designers to communicate their ideas with clarity and precision, facilitating a more effective international discourse on design.
Moreover, the design dictionary serves as a source of inspiration for designers looking to expand their vocabulary and explore new concepts. By offering definitions, examples, and historical context, the dictionary encourages designers to think critically about their work and its place in the broader design landscape. Ultimately, the dictionary is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in design, providing a rich tapestry of ideas and insights that can inform and inspire creative endeavours across all disciplines.
The Achilles Shield, a silver-gilt convex shield with a central medallion of the sun in a chariot, was designed by John Flaxman II between 1809 and 1818.Read More →
Danish Modern From the 1950s onwards, this term, along with its Scandinavian and Swedish counterparts, was widely used to describe those aspects of Danish design that acknowledged some of the characteristics of Modernism but were distinguished by the use of more traditional materials, natural finishes, organic shapes, sculptural form, and a respect for craftsmanship.Read More →
Murrine is a Roman glass technique using patterned canes, revealing intricate designs when cut. Modern interpretations include vibrant contemporary themes and traditional Venetian styles.Read More →
The synthetic plastic Bakelite, patented in 1907, revolutionized product design. Its impact on industrial design and jewelry made it a significant material in the 1930s.Read More →
Act of Parliament clocks emerged due to Pitt’s 1797 tax on clocks, featuring large, readable dials and striking mechanisms, commonly found in public spaces like taverns.Read More →
Nottingham earthenware, popular from the thirteenth to eighteenth centuries, includes decorative “loving cups,” affordable salt-glazed ceramics made for middle-class celebrations and anniversaries.Read More →
Keyhole pattern is a type of pierced work found on porringers, typically consisting of four to ten additional holes, with the terminal hole resembling a keyhole. It replaced the geometric pattern of c. 1730.Read More →
Dovetail joinery features interlocking, wedge-shaped cuts that provide strength and beauty in woodworking, notably in furniture and cabinetry, representing skilled craftsmanship.Read More →
Anchor Blocks, a German building system, influenced Frank Lloyd Wright‘s design philosophy. Precisely engineered with durable materials, they were popular toys and collector’s items.Read More →
Achievement is a symbol that only belongs to one family, and can be engraved or enamelled to establish provenance and date.Read More →