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.
The post-WWII era brought innovative home furnishing design, influenced by optimism, smaller homes, and a desire for functional modern design, exemplified by iconic pieces like the shell chair.Read More →
Founded in 1930, the Society of Industrial Artists helped define professional standards for British designers and later evolved into the Chartered Society of Designers.Read More →
Shoji Hamada, Bernard Leach, and the Martin brothers were influential in the studio pottery movement, creating distinctive, imaginative pieces that combined Eastern and Western techniques.Read More →
The 1970s and 1980s saw a radical transformation in fashion, influenced by social movements, technological advancements, and cultural shifts towards nostalgia and self-expression.Read More →
Olivetti, an Italian office machinery firm, has a rich design history, emphasising aesthetics in products, architecture, and corporate culture since its 1908 founding by Camillo Olivetti.Read More →
The period after World War II saw a surge in optimism and creativity in furniture design. With the use of new materials and production techniques, Modernism evolved into a more relaxed and mass-produced style. Recovering economies and the availability of varied materials led to a diverse range of designs, including the incorporation of natural elements in “Soft Modernism.”Read More →
The Gothenburg Exhibition of 1923 showcased Swedish design, highlighting modernism’s influence on applied arts, architecture, and functionalism, shaping contemporary design practices for future generations.Read More →
The New Objectivity (Neue Sachlichkeit), a movement in 1920s German art, was a reaction against expressionism. Coined by Gustav Hartlaub, it featured figurative, cynical art without pre-war idealism.Read More →
Architecture the 1920s & 1930s – the birth of Modernism. The architects of the post-World War 1 years aimed for simplicity above all else.Read More →
The artistic decoration known as arabesque features intricate floral and geometric designs, with origins in Spanish Islamic art and influence throughout Europe.Read More →