Ornamentalism: The New Decorativeness in Architecture & Design

New York: Clarkson N. Potter, Inc./Publishers, 1982. Hardcover. Very Good/Very Good. Hardcover. The modernist school of architecture and design that was dominant during the middle decades of the 20th century preached functionality in all aspects of design and banished the use of non-functional features and colors. Modernist buildings and furniture were notable for unadorned steel and glass exteriors, plain white walls, and metal construction. Ornamentalism, which became a popular movement in the last quarter of the 20th century, was a post-modern style that was a reaction against modernism. It emphasized the use of color, return to historical elements (truncated) such as pediments and pilasters, handmade crafts such as stained glass and wrought iron, and painted decoration. It also resurrected an appreciation for prior architectural and design styles, including Art Deco and Art Nouveau. This book was the first comprehensive look at the Ornamental Movement across all fields of design and fine arts. It contains sections on Architecture & Interiors (private, business/commercial, public), Decorative Crafts (glasswork, wrought iron), Furnishings & Lighting, and Patterning, Decoration, and Usable Art. Lavishly illustrated with over 500 photographs and drawings, many in color. Small quarto. Blue cloth boards. Gilt title to spine. Bright and clean interior with color illustrations. Light blueish-grey dust jacket with black title to front panel and to spine panel. Jacket is price-clipped. 297 pages. Architecture. ARCH/121307. (Inventory #: 20313)