The Living Sound of Tradition
2026-07-04
The image portrays two elderly Moldovan men sharing music in a home, emphasising the importance of tradition, memory, and cultural continuity through intimate experiences.Read More →
Design History
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.
Widdicomb Furniture Catalogue, 1952: A Vision of the Contemporary American Home
2026-06-23
The 1952 Widdicomb Furniture catalogue showcases mid-century American interior design, emphasising comfort, colour, and coordinated furnishings for informal domestic living environments.Read More →
Decorative Arts in Hong Kong: Craft, Trade and Modern Design
2026-05-09
Explore decorative arts in Hong Kong through Chinese export art, jade jewellery, carved furniture, neon signs, textiles, ceramics and contemporary design culture.Read More →
Supermannerism: Complexity, Contradiction, and the Rebirth of Ornament in Late 20th-Century Design
2026-05-02
Supermannerism, a contemporary design critique, embraces ornamental complexity, historical references, and contradiction, challenging Modernist principles while celebrating playful and expressive aesthetics.Read More →
Arts and Crafts Movement: Design Reform, Craft Ideals, and the Origins of Modern Design
2026-04-27
The Arts and Crafts Movement, led by William Morris, sought to restore craftsmanship and aesthetics amidst industrialisation, influencing modern design through principles of social responsibility and unity of art.Read More →
Cheesequake Pottery: American Stoneware and the Amboy Clay Tradition
2026-04-20
Cheesequake pottery, originating from New Jersey, exemplifies early American stoneware with a focus on utility, local production, and European influences in decorative styles.Read More →
Worcester, England and the Decorative Arts: A Centre of Porcelain, Craft, and Industrial Design
2026-04-19
Worcester, England occupies a pivotal place in the history of the decorative arts, particularly through its influential role in the development of English porcelain. FromRead More →
Soho Tapestries: English Tapestry Production in the 18th Century
2026-04-12
The term Soho tapestries refers broadly to a group of English tapestry productions associated with workshops active in London during the late 17th and 18thRead More →
Wakefield Rattan: Industrial Innovation and the Rise of American Wicker Furniture
2026-04-06
Introduction: Wakefield Rattan in Design History Wakefield Rattan refers to the furniture produced by the Wakefield Rattan Company and its successor, the Heywood-Wakefield Company, aRead More →
Mughal Art: The Courtly Arts of the Muslim Rulers of India
2026-04-05
Mughal art, emerging in 16th-century India, blends Persian, Islamic, and Indian traditions, showcasing refined craftsmanship across architecture, painting, and decorative arts, creating a lasting cultural legacy.Read More →