txt Designs and Patterns from Historic Ornament

Discover the structure and beauty of historic ornament.

Designs and Patterns from Historic Ornament by William James Audsley and George Ashdown Audsley brings together decorative designs from different periods and artistic traditions. Through 59 black-and-white plates and the authors’ explanatory text, readers can explore how line, rhythm, repetition, and foliage combine to create ornamental patterns.

Originally published as Outlines of Ornament in the Leading Styles in 1881, the work groups examples by their underlying design principles, making it a useful resource for comparing styles and understanding how patterns are constructed.

Inside, you will find:

Fret ornament: geometric borders, meanders, and repeating arrangements.
Interlaced ornament: woven bands, knots, and connected forms.
Powdered ornament: individual motifs distributed across a decorative field.
Diaper ornament: continuous patterns built from recurring shapes and structures.
Conventional foliage: leaves, flowers, and stems adapted for ornamental use.

Edited by Alim Ekiz, this edition includes ten opening pages of editorial introduction and practical study notes. These offer guidance on identifying repeating units, following interlaced lines, examining the spaces between motifs, and interpreting colour instructions within monochrome plates. The historical text and illustrations follow in a separate, clearly numbered section.

A visual reference for artists, designers, illustrators, craftspeople, and students of the decorative arts, this volume invites readers to look closely, compare thoughtfully, and discover new possibilities within historic design.