Myer's Ornament, Victorian Bible of Design

This book is a real treasure trove of design ideas.

First published as Ornamentale Formenlehre in 1886 as a Folio sized edition in Leipzig, this book became the standard pattern book for designers of the latter 19th c. The first English version was published in book form in 1894 and rapidly became the bible for design in Victorian time.

With over 3000 detailed line drawings, in 300 plates, of classical and mediaeval decoration, this book contains the genesis of much of the design used in Victorian sculpture, architecture and graphic arts.

My edition was printed in 1974 and is a wide format beauty that allows for detailed examination of the figures.

The forward by the editor, Tony Birks, is a fascinating look at the enduring conflict between technological devices, with their spartan utilitarian looks, and the complex and intricate designs of neo classical and neo gothic design that became popular at that time.

Title
Myer's Ornament
Victorian Bible of Design
Originally
A Handbook of Ornament

Author
Franz Sales Myers
edited by Tony Birks

Publisher
Gerald Duckworth and Company
London


Date
1974
First English edition 1894

ISBN
0 7156 0713 8

Keep your sightglass full, your firebox trimmed and your water iced.
KJ