“From Publishers Weekly
A smorgasbord for browsers, a repository of images for designers and craftspeople in all fields, this delightful, inclusive survey deciphers the visual culture of everyday life. Ornament is taken in its widest context, including everything from hotel architecture to Russian folk ceramics, food processors, hi-fi sets, Swatch watches and posters. Woodham, a British lecturer in design history, makes tantalizing connections: an Austrian abstract fabric design is shown to resemble Gustav Klimt’s paintings; architectural monumentalism is tracked in both Soviet Russia and Germany of the 1930s. The outstanding illustrations, combined with a chronological narrative, lend coherence to the nearly impossible task of tracing modern ornamentation in all its forms and styles, from roadside vernacular to new wave.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. –This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Product Description
The author chronologically describes, compares and contrasts all the major trends in North American and European ornament from 1900 to the present day. Varnacular ornament and mass-produced household objects are included and situated in their social context.” (Amazon)
Dive into the vibrant and multifaceted world of 20th-century design with Jonathan Woodham's seminal work, *Twentieth-Century Ornament*. This meticulously researched and lavishly illustrated hardcover edition, published by Rizzoli in 1990, offers a comprehensive exploration of ornament across a stunning array of disciplines, from architecture and interior design to everyday objects and graphic arts. More than just a catalog of styles, Woodham's book is a cultural journey, revealing how ornamentation reflected and shaped the social, political, and technological currents of the era. This First Edition provides a unique perspective, capturing the design landscape as it stood at the cusp of a new millennium. Woodham, a respected design historian, expertly navigates the diverse landscape of 20th-century aesthetics, connecting seemingly disparate elements and uncovering the hidden narratives embedded within decorative motifs. He challenges conventional notions of "good" and "bad" taste, instead inviting readers to appreciate the historical context and cultural significance of each design choice. *Twentieth-Century Ornament* transcends the boundaries of traditional art history, venturing into the realm of popular culture and mass-produced goods. Explore the evolution of ornament in everything from iconic Swatch watches and sleek hi-fi systems to the bold aesthetics of roadside vernacular architecture and the intricate patterns of Russian folk ceramics. Discover how the rise of industrial production influenced ornamentation, leading to new forms of expression and challenging established design principles. Woodham masterfully weaves together a chronological narrative, tracing the evolution of ornament from the Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts movements at the turn of the century to the postmodern eclecticism of the late 1980s. The book highlights key trends and movements, including Art Deco, Bauhaus, Streamline Moderne, Mid-Century Modern, and Pop Art, showcasing how each style embraced or rejected ornamentation in its own unique way. The book also does not shy away from the darker side of ornamentation, examining how monumentalism was used in Soviet Russia and Nazi Germany during the 1930s. The book's strength lies not only in its thorough research but also in its stunning visual presentation. Hundreds of carefully selected photographs, illustrations, and drawings bring the subject matter to life, showcasing the incredible diversity and artistry of 20th-century ornament. The book serves as a visual feast for design enthusiasts, offering endless inspiration and a deeper understanding of the cultural forces that shaped the modern world. This book is more than just a historical survey, it's a sourcebook for designers, artists, and anyone interested in the visual culture of the 20th century. Whether you're a seasoned collector, a student of design history, or simply someone who appreciates beautiful things, *Twentieth-Century Ornament* will captivate your imagination and expand your understanding of the world around you. Secure your copy of this out-of-print First Edition and add a valuable piece of design history to your collection. This weighty tome (approximately 1361 grams) is a testament to the enduring power of ornamentation and its ability to reflect and shape the human experience. Don't miss the chance to own this essential reference work.
