Amelia Calver – författare

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.

A sister publication to the successful V&A Sourcebook of Pattern and Ornament, this beautifully designed sourcebook explores an unrivalled array of floral patterns from the V&A’s outstanding global collections. Take a walk through the galleries of the V&A, the world’s leading museum of art and design, and one quickly becomes aware that floral patterns, embellishments and ornamentation are everywhere, no matter the age of an object or where it was created. From Japanese kimonos to William Morris fabrics, European tapestries to Moghul floor spreads, and Chinese porcelain to Indian garments, these objects reveal humankind’s unceasing desire to incorporate flora into design. These numerous examples testify to the inventiveness of designers and craftspeople around the globe, and our yearning to surround ourselves with objects that enrich our lives. This book spotlights the boundless wonders of the plant world, from the woven vegetation of medieval tapestries and the lush greenery of Victorian chintzes to the delicate petals adorning Iznik ceramic masterpieces. An introduction about flowers in design is followed by five sections: Garden Flowers; Wildflowers; The Gardener; Woodland; and Floral Motifs. Each object is illustrated and described in a brief caption, providing a richly detailed yet accessible resource for design enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. This expertly compiled selection of surface pattern and three-dimensional ornamentation will fascinate and inspire designers, artists and illustrators from all disciplines as well as anyone interested in visual and material culture.