A designer’s inspiration: 19th century ornament source books

Where did 19th century designers get their inspiration? For pattern or surface designers working on textiles, painted and papered walls, ceramics, timber or silver, they would most likely have used ornament source books. Join us for this special Rare Book Week event.

Owen Jones’ ‘The grammar of ornament’ (1856) is the most famous of this genre, with reproductions still being available today. However, increasing numbers of often lavishly illustrated ornament source books were published during the 19th century to satisfy the Victorian-era fascination with a wide variety of decorative styles. See these publications in a special once-only viewing of the collection.

This event is offered in partnership with Sydney Rare Book Week.