What do you think?
Rate this book
The V&A Sourcebook of Pattern and Ornament
This richly illustrated, easy-to-navigate sourcebook of surface pattern and three-dimensional ornamentation presents more than one thousand historic and contemporary examples 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 three-dimensional ornamentation and embellishment, from Japanese kimono and William Morris fabrics to Chinese porcelain and contemporary furniture.
Creatives working today are as fascinated and inspired by pattern and ornament as they have always been and this expertly compiled selection will appeal to designers, artists, and illustrators from all disciplines as well as anyone interested in visual and material culture.
Creatives working today are as fascinated and inspired by pattern and ornament as they have always been and this expertly compiled selection will appeal to designers, artists, and illustrators from all disciplines as well as anyone interested in visual and material culture.
- GenresArtNonfictionDesign
400 pages, Hardcover
Published November 9, 2021
2 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 3, 2023
Although I own many books on pattern and ornament, I found very few duplicates among the vast array of examples found in this V&A offering. Impressive!
These delightful designs are categorized by type such as “animals” and then in subcategories like “monkeys” and “elephants”. There was very little text, just basic information. But the pictures don’t require much explanation. Their images tell it all.
Most of this art comes from the 19th and 20th centuries, but some date earlier. Likewise western art dominates with a few examples from Asia and the Arab world. However, to create a more comprehensive volume would require the size of an encyclopedia. As it is there’s more than enough to entertain and educate the eyes.
These delightful designs are categorized by type such as “animals” and then in subcategories like “monkeys” and “elephants”. There was very little text, just basic information. But the pictures don’t require much explanation. Their images tell it all.
Most of this art comes from the 19th and 20th centuries, but some date earlier. Likewise western art dominates with a few examples from Asia and the Arab world. However, to create a more comprehensive volume would require the size of an encyclopedia. As it is there’s more than enough to entertain and educate the eyes.
April 13, 2024
Sometimes I like to "read" a book that is more illustrative than words...and this book is gorgeous! I am so glad my library had a copy of this heavy, magnificent book. Organized by category (flowers, fruits, animals, etc.), it presents images of wallpaper, fabrics, and 3D objects by theme rather than by year. I found a designer from the Arts and Crafts movement that I had not known and now know that I love - C F A Voysey. While I have to return this book to the library, I am sure I will spend more hours with it in the future.
July 17, 2022
This book is beautiful, even if you're not a design person (and I most definitely am not).
Really cool to see how patterns repeat throughout the years...and centuries. There is definitely inspiration to be found in this book, especially if you're looking for something timeless and classic.
Really cool to see how patterns repeat throughout the years...and centuries. There is definitely inspiration to be found in this book, especially if you're looking for something timeless and classic.
November 12, 2022
This book is a feast for the eyes. Each page you turn and there's yet more to see. I imagine it would be a must-have resource for any designer. The images are grouped by subject matter. Words hardly do it justice.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews