The V&A Sourcebook of Pattern and Ornament (Victoria and Albert Museum) (V&a Museum)
£28.90£38.00 (-24%)
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.
With 1146 illustrations in colour
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Additional information
| Publisher | Thames and Hudson Ltd, 1st edition (14 Oct. 2021) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Hardcover | 400 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0500480729 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0500480724 |
| Dimensions | 22.86 x 4.32 x 26.92 cm |
by “zoejeanne”
I bought this book having always been a huge fan of the V&A. We visit regularly and are particularly interested in the collection of antique fabric and prints. This book contains beautiful photography of the V&A’s collection and is organised in a logical manner making it a great reference book. The author not only demonstrates her exceptional knowledge and experience but she also shows her passion for collection.
by sketcher
An excellent book that has been a wealth of inspiration in my design work. Such a wide variety of themes are covered through the photos in the book, from animals, trees, flowers, geometric, and the images are very clear.
by “zoejeanne”
Contrary to the previous review, I found the book to be an excellent price for such a packed, thorough, thematic sourcebook. I’m fascinated by its detailed and informative content and loved its inspiring conversation with award-winning design studio Timorous Beasties.
The pages are deliberately matte in order to avoid a reflective shine on the paper’s surface which would distract from the patterns. It is sumptuously printed.
The book is divided into simple subjects making the information easily accessible.
Every illustration and photograph are clear, and there are many full-page examples without losing any detail of the over 1000 items included.
Each caption does include a date, one just has to read the entire paragraph to locate such details.
Highly recommended.
by Steph McClaren
This is a great book for pattern and design students. I bought it as part of my Surface Pattern & Textile Design course. It is full of historical pattern designs.
by Dan H
T&H have got another pattern book called “Pattern Design” by Elizabeth Wilhide which is much more comprehensive in scope.