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.

Contemporary performance photograph of a figure wrapped around a yellow column, using colour contrast, body movement and urban space.

Body, Colour and Urban Space in Contemporary Performance Photography

The photograph transforms an urban scene by merging human form and structure, showcasing colour’s role in enhancing visual rhythm and spatial interaction in contemporary art.Read More →

Martí Guixé I-Cakes food design with geometric coloured segments resembling data visualisation

Martí Guixé: Reframing Design Beyond the Object

Martí Guixé is a Catalan designer who challenges traditional design boundaries, focusing on product systems, food design, and user participation, while critiquing consumption culture.Read More →

Large blackwork tattoo across a man’s back, showing dense linework, organic forms and dramatic body ornament design.

Tattoo Design as Contemporary Body Ornament

A large blackwork tattoo merges art and identity, transforming the body into a dynamic canvas while reflecting personal expression and cultural significance in contemporary practices.Read More →

Discocó pendant lamps by Christophe Mathieu for Marset hanging above a glossy black bar with blue backlighting.

Discocó Pendant Lamp by Christophe Mathieu for Marset

The Discocó pendant lamp by Christophe Mathieu blends sculptural form with functional lighting, featuring layered discs that create a captivating interplay of light, shadow, and atmosphere.Read More →

Modern interior vignette with designer furniture, sculptural lighting, seating, textiles and home accessories

100 Essential Furniture, Lighting, Seating and Accessories Companies

A curated directory of 100 important furniture, lighting, seating and accessories companies, from modernist design houses to contemporary manufacturers and homeware brands.Read More →

1965 Chevrolet Chevy II wagon parked outside a suburban home with furniture and rugs being loaded, from an American Home magazine advertisement.

1965 Chevrolet Chevy II Wagon: Practicality as Mid-Century Design

The 1965 Chevrolet Chevy II wagon combined practicality, spaciousness, and style, appealing to suburban families with its functional design, durability, and modern aesthetics.Read More →

Piero De Martini La Barca ash dining table produced by Cassina in Italy in 1975, shown with plank top, panel supports, and minimalist table setting.

Piero De Martini furniture designer

Piero De Martini is an Italian architect, industrial designer, and furniture designer born in Milan in 1939. His work belongs to the intellectually disciplined currentRead More →

1952 Widdicomb Furniture living room with striped sofa, orange lounge chairs and mid-century brick floor interior

Widdicomb Furniture Catalogue, 1952: A Vision of the Contemporary American Home

The 1952 Widdicomb Furniture catalogue showcases mid-century American interior design, emphasising comfort, colour, and coordinated furnishings for informal domestic living environments.Read More →

American Colonial architecture illustration of Hutchinson House in Boston with symmetrical facade and classical detailing

American Colonial Design: Architecture, Furniture and Decorative Arts

American Colonial design reflects a unique blend of British influence and local adaptation, shaping furniture, architecture, and decorative arts before the Federal period, emphasising practicality and regional character.Read More →

Modernist Textiles and Carpets: Pattern, Abstraction and Women Designers

Explore modernist textiles and carpets, from Omega Workshops and Bauhaus weaving to Eileen Gray, Marion Dorn and abstract rug design.Read More →

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