Spectrum: Heritage Patterns and Colors

by Camille Blais, Ros Byam Shaw (Introduction), Victoria and Albert Museum

Interior decorators have long used specific colors and palettes to evoke strong moods—the right mix of browns, greens, and oranges can easily bring you back into the 1970s. Here, in this highly original and digestible book, color palettes from the fifteenth century onward are analyzed and explained by interior design specialist Ros Byam Shaw. The colors used in each wallpaper and fabric are presented in proportional grids, giving a clear understanding of the hues that have become emblematic of their era.


Each wallpaper and fabric, carefully selected by Here Design from the V’s collection, is arranged chronologically with its own double-page spread with extended captions that explain the significance of the palette. A color grid is shown beside each pattern, in which the colors in the original piece are shown in proportion to their use, and with their CMYK references to enable designers to replicate these colors in their own work. The result is a book that offers fascinating insights into color that will be of interest and use to designers working today, whether specialists in interiors, products, or graphics. It will also appeal to a more general audience as a beautifully designed book that offers inspiration to those interested in interior design.

Genres: Art, Design, Nonfiction, Reference

256 pages, Hardcover

Published October 16, 2018

Reviews

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of different fabrics and wallpapers from the last several hundred years, selected from the textile collection of the Victoria & Albert museum in London. Many very lovely, some just strange. Some wonderful color choices, some too garish for me. Alongside each sample is a representative color block grouping of the main colors and their relative amounts from the textile, along with their CMYK numbers to enable people who know about this to replicate the color grouping. Each is also given its designer or company, if known; a brief description of the item, whether printed cotton, drawing, embroidery, tapestry; and country of origin.
Many of these items I would love to have as wallpaper or upholstery fabric, maybe curtains, maybe even fabric for a dress or shirt. Others would do well as decorative cushion covers. Some I wouldn't want anywhere near me.
A great source for armchair decorating. For further study there's a bibliography. There's no index so no way to look for a particular designer or company, even for the ones that are known.

[Lucie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My need for a nice variety of patterns has been satisfied by this book.

[Jordan Oosterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular treasury of historical print, patterns + palettes

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely to read and look at.