Design & The Decorative Arts Series
Tudor and Stuart Britain 1500-1714
Georgian Britain 1714-1837
Victorian Britain 1837-1901
by Michael Snodin and John Styles

Buy this book from Amazon.co.uk
not available from Amazon.com

These three books were originally published as one volume, to accompany the opening in November 2001 of the Victoria & Albert Museum's (V&A) British Galleries 1500-1900. They have now been published as three separate books, making them more affordable and accessible.

All three books are beautifully and lavishly illustrated throughout and, as might be expected from any V&A publication, the standard of production is very high.

Each book looks at the development and changes in style and design in the relevant periods. Why did change happen and what led to it. For example in the 16th and 17th centuries, England was becoming an increasingly wealthy nation and this was permeating down from the aristocracy.

Buy this book from Amazon.co.uk
or from Amazon.com

The authors say, "At the end of the seventeenth century the English nobility remained tiny by Continental European standards, but immediately beneath it on the social ladder lay the massed ranks of the moderately wealthy, who numbered many tens of thousands....It was these people, above all, who sustained the businesses of that growing multitude of makers producing high-design objects."

The growing wealth of the middle classes was one of the engines of change in the Tudor and Stuart period while, in the next book on the Georgian period, the authors identify Britain's growing Empire and position as a trading nation as being of paramount importance. "Not only did the volume of trade expand perhaps thirtyfold, but the geographical extent of British commerce and the variety of goods traded also increased....Changing patterns of trade register the growing international status of British manufacturers. They also register a growing international respect for British design and decorative arts."

Buy this book from Amazon.co.uk
not available from Amazon.com

By Victorian times, Britain was indeed a flourishing nature with its extensive Empire, overseas trade and technical innovation in its industries and communications. Alongside the cult of home and family was the cornerstone of society. Cities were expanding and, although the underclass lived in vicious poverty, more people were able to afford a 'respectable' home. In these homes, the fashion was for a cluttered look, a home filled with all kinds of furniture, textiles and decorative objects.

All three books look at a variety of subjects concerned with these changes in fashion and design as well as some of the designers who had a major influence; people like Thomas Wedgwood, Inigo Jones and Christopher Dresser.

Not only are these lovely books, they have been written in a lively and interesting way, making the story of the changes in design and the arts over the centuries a fascinating one.

Quick Facts

Title: Design & the Decorative Arts
Tudor and Stuart Britain 1500-1714 - ISBN: 1851774203 - 168 pages
Georgian Britain 1714-1837 - ISBN: 1851774211 - 168 pages
Victorian Britain 1837-1901 - ISBN: 185177422X - 167 pages

Authors: Michael Snodin and John Styles

Publisher: V&A Publications

Binding: Softback

Publication Date: May 2004

Price: £19.95 each

All information relates to the UK edition.

Also see:
More Reference Books

Return to Home Page

Copyright © 2004 by Carol Fisher All Rights Reserved