Architecture

Architecture, in its essence, is a grand tapestry of applied and decorative arts, each strand woven into the very fabric of the buildings that punctuate our skylines. As much a functional endeavour as it is an artistic statement, architecture harmonizes the pragmatism of space planning with the aesthetic allure of decorative detail. From the ornate ironwork gracing the balconies of French Haussmann buildings to the intricate wood carvings that adorn the eaves of traditional Japanese homes, architectural design serves as a canvas for craftsmen and artisans. It is in this interstitial space that utility meets beauty, where the materiality of ceramics, textiles, glass, and metals transcends mere construction to echo the cultural and historical idiosyncrasies of their time. Through the lens of applied and decorative arts, architecture becomes more than just structures—it evolves into a living narrative, encapsulating the zenith of human creativity and the tangible embodiment of our aesthetic heritage.

John Claudius Loudon, a Scottish horticulturist, greatly influenced 19th-century design through his comprehensive 1833 encyclopaedia, highlighting vernacular architecture and practical furniture design.Read More →

Sideboard 1898-1899 (made) William Richard Lethaby

William Richard Lethaby’s holistic approach to architecture, education, and conservation shaped modernist principles and continues to inspire contemporary discourse in these areas.Read More →

Studio interior. Paris, circa 1929. Thérèse Bonney residence. Furniture designed by Pierre Chareau

Thérèse Bonney, a pioneering photographer, shifted from documenting French decorative arts to capturing the harsh realities of war-torn Europe, leaving a profound legacy.Read More →

Vase - Green Glass made 1990 - 1991

Green glass, with its unique coloration and historical significance, has been used for both practical and decorative purposes throughout history and continues to be celebrated in modern design.Read More →

quatrefoil motif

The quatrefoil, or “four leaf,” motif features in Gothic architecture’s tracery, seen in friezes within Perpendicular and Decorated styles. It’s divided into four leaves or lobes.Read More →