The V&A Sourcebook of Pattern and Ornament

V & A Enterprises Limited, Amelia Calver

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English

Victoria & Albert Pubs
27 February 2025

Decorative arts; Industrial: Commercial Art & Design

A richly illustrated sourcebook of two-dimensional pattern and three dimensional ornamentation, presenting more than 1,000 historic and contemporary examples from around the world.

The wealth of surface pattern and three-dimensional ornamentation in the many objects that enrich our lives is testament to the inventiveness of designers and craftspeople around the globe and throughout history.

This richly illustrated, easy-to-navigate sourcebook presents more than 1,000 historic and contemporary examples of pattern and ornamentation from around the world, each one succinctly identified and explained. Arranged thematically, it is unique among pattern books, as it includes examples not only of surface pattern but also of three-dimensional ornamentation and embellishment.

Two-dimensional pattern is ubiquitous, no matter what the age of an object or where it was created. From Japanese kimono and William Morris fabrics to Chinese porcelain and contemporary furniture, such works reveal humanity's unceasing desire to combine pattern with design. Just as prevalent are examples of three-dimensional embellishments that go far beyond the requirements of their practical use: an acrylic handbag has a carved motif of insects and wildflowers, a cobalt-blue pottery ewer has a dragon's-head spout and an early 19th-century fruit plate is shaped like a seashell.

Designers working today are as fascinated and inspired by pattern and ornament as they have always been. This expertly compiled selection will appeal to designers, artists, illustrators and other creatives from all disciplines as well as anyone interested in visual and material culture.

By: V & A Enterprises Limited, Amelia Calver
Imprint: Victoria & Albert Pubs
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 198mm,
Weight: 1.380kg
ISBN: 9780500298404
ISBN 10: 0500298408
Pages: 400
Publication Date: 27 February 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Amelia Calver is Licensing Research and Development Manager at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. She has worked at the V&A for more than twenty years and has an impressive familiarity with the museum's extensive collections, particularly of the fabric and wallpaper designs from around the world that have been acquired during the V&A's 170-year history.

Reviews for The V&A Sourcebook of Pattern and Ornament

'If you’re fascinated by surface patterns and global design, this book will be straight on your must-read list' - Simply Sewing 'This richly illustrated book is one you will return to over and over again as an outstanding source of inspiration and compilation of the most fascinating information about the history of pattern making' - Beautiful Heirloom Home 'This selection will appeal to designers, artists, illustrators and creatives from all disciplines' - Let's Talk