Owen Carter Jones (1809–1874)

First published in 1856, this (thankfully) unabridged reprint was a wonderful resource of the history of the decorative arts in textiles, architecture, and culturally-related ornamentation. The quality of illustrated artwork is of the highest standard and a delight to peruse on its own. Though reflective of a 19th-century aesthetic, the author covers ornamentation going back centuries, inclusive of diverse societies. Highly recommended for any reader with historical design interests as well as discovering an astute evaluation of the muddling in late Victorian designs and buildings.… (meer)

The illuminated letters in this volume by the great Victorian designer Owen Jones, many taken from an illustrated edition of The Psalms of David, represent popular alphabet motifs that have been copied by artists and designers for more than a century throughout Europe and North America.
Each page of this versatile archive contains approximately 40 magnificently embellished individual letters of the alphabet. (There's also an additional page of equally attractive Arabic and Roman numerals.) Foliated and filigreed designs - ranging from small to large, simple to spectacular - display the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that have become synonymous with Victorian design.
Commercial artists, graphic designers, and craftspeople will find this elegant and versatile treasury of copyright-free decorative letters an excellent and indispensable sourcebook for graphic projects calling for old-fashioned Victorian charm.… (meer)