Victorian Designs From the author - - Introduction Within this book I hope you find what will prove to be an inspiring collection of illustrations and reference material evocative of the Victorian decorative art period. For over twenty years I have worked as an illustrator, maker and lately as a teacher, helping students of various disciplines to create their own designs using suitable reference material. Whatever your discipline I hope that the designs in this book will encourage your own creativity to flourish. About the designs The Victorian period saw an entirely new Britain emerge with the industrial revolution and the onset of mass production. Decorative art of this age was characterised by a mix of older styles in new combinations. Every conceivable surface was covered with ornate decoration including furniture, ceramics, metal, textiles, glass and architecture, as well as interior design. Influences were apparent from Japan, China, India and Africa, reflecting the growth in world trade. All of these elements were brought together to produce a profusion of colour and contrasting design. Queen Victoria reigned for over sixty years and the period encompassed many decorative styles. The work of William Morris, the Arts and Crafts Movement and the Art Nouveau period are probably those most well known. Each had an influence on the other and predominantly the Victorians favoured highly decorative design, where natural form, classical and baroque influences came together to create a very elaborate form of decorative art. And finally I hope this book will give you a taste of the Victorian period and that you use the artwork to help you create your own individual pieces of art. Most important of all is that however you use this reference material, you will get as much enjoyment from doing so as I did putting it together for you. Soft cover, 32 pages. Price: $14.95 ($13.59)