Peter Dormer Libri

An illustrated survey of comtemporary jewellery and its developments since 1960. It has three major elements. Firstly, it has a display of the jewellery itself, photographed in colour. Secondly, it provides a critical history, tracing the first challenges to traditional forms of jewellery as early as the 1930s but focusing on the inspired use of new tools, new materials and new ideas since 1960. Finally, it has a reference section correcting previous information on the subject, including biographies of over a hundred makers.

From jacket: The Arts and Crafts Movement in Britain in the 19th century had a major impact on art and design philosophies in the USA and Europe. It also deeply influenced subsequent trends in design, craft and art. This comprehensive survey places the multi-faceted Movement within its historical, cultural and artistic context, with full coverage of major figures, their aims and ambitions and the work they created. Authoritative, informative text combined wit hundreds of vivid illustrations bring the entire subject to life, enabling readers to appreciate and assess the Movement's impressive achievement. Interiors, architecture, furniture, textiles and wallpaper, glass, ceramics, graphic arts, metalwork and jewelry are all covered.

The most popular of all the decorative arts, pottery has established itself as a modern art, form universal in its appeal and language. This presentation of ceramics worldwide has been updated to reflect the latest developments in a fast-evolving field, revealing a blend of tradition with new ideas, and spectacular use of ornament and colour.

Jewellery has come alive again. 20 years ago a mere handful of designers in Europe and America were fighting the cliches of conventional design. Today there has been, in Ralph Turner's words, a burgeoning of many kinds of ornament.