The Complete Pattern Directory: 1500 Designs from All Ages and Cultures

by Elizabeth Wilhide

An essential resource for any designer, crafter, artist, or historian, The Complete Pattern Dictionary is the most comprehensive, practical, and beautiful directory of patterns throughout history, covering all periods, styles, and cultures.

Throughout history, patterns have come in countless permutations of motif, color, and scale. From the first rhythmic marks pressed onto clay vessels, to the latest digital design, pattern-making has been an essential part of the decorative arts since time immemorial.

With 1500 illustrations of patterns from all ages and cultures, The Complete Pattern Dictionary is not only a visual feast, it is the most comprehensive resource available on the subject. The book is arranged thematically according to pattern type, with chapters on Flora, Fauna, Pictorial, Geometric, and Abstract designs. Each pattern includes the name of the pattern, the year of its creation, and a brief description. The categories are supplemented by in-depth features highlighting the work of key designers including William Morris, Sonia Delaunay, Charles and Ray Eames, Lucienne Day, and Orla Kiely, as well as sections detailing the characteristic motifs of key period styles from Baroque to Art Deco.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Reference, Design, Fashion

672 pages, Hardcover

Published November 6, 2018

About the author

Elizabeth Wilhide is the author of many books on design and interiors and two novels. Born in the United States, she now resides in London.

Reviews

[Diana Thayer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice excerpts of designs (generous coverage of design styles) and designer profiles. I would have appreciated occasional snapshots of the larger context of some of the designs - small isolated photos of the designs often make it challenging to imagine the appearance in a larger context (particularly with very bright/gaudy designs.)

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great collection of patterns from all ages and places. Not as exhaustive as I'd hoped--it shows a definite bent toward recent British productions--but still wide-ranging. The organization is a bit difficult to work with (organized by subject rather than artist/publisher, chronology, or geography) but it is interesting to compare centuries of patterns with the same subject. Unfortunately, the binding of this book does not match the contents, and if it comes out in a new edition, I hope the binding doesn't break so swiftly (my new copy was broken when it arrived, and I am evidently not the only one to experience this). Definitely a good resource for designers and artists, and those who love looking through patterns and arts as a centering practice. I'd be overwhelmed by this level of visual stimulation in a museum, but in a book, I can enjoy it in regular intervals.

[Ligaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Complete? Of course not. But it is a wonderful reference of historical pattern designs. Good, brief biographies of noted designers sprinkled throughout. I was a bit annoyed by how things were organized but realized it was likely more interesting the way the author did it, lest the William Morris section be very unwieldly.

[Mary Cowley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous reference book! Especially love the index: designs can be searched by artist name, or country of origin, or by date. Designs in the table of contents are arranged by subject and sub categorized by type and designer profile so it's amazingly easy to use. Everyone interested in art, design or craftwork should have this book.

[Lisa Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over 600 pages of patterns from all over the world. A great resource for designers.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this. I learned a lot just by looking at the photos. The vignettes were nice but I skimmed most of them. I liked the topic organization.

[Hannah Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wealth of beauty and inspiration for artists to absorb and interpret in different ways. I'm already thinking about how to intertwine a couple of patterns in collage or embroidery. It's one of those beautiful, heavy books you take out on a rainy day to stare at its pages until your world is transformed and you're surrounded by color again.