The Practical Decorator and Ornamentist

the work

The Practical Decorator and Ornamentist

The Practical Ornamenter and Decorative Artist is a decorative design reference book published in 1892 by brothers George and Maurice Ashdown Owsley. This book contains a wealth of polychrome lithograph patterns influenced by the 19th century Arts and Crafts movement. In this colorful vintage collection, you'll find simple yet complex patterns that combine flowers, circles, arches, geometric shapes, and more.

George and Maurice Ashdown Owsley Biography

George Ashdown Owsley

• Born in Edinburgh , Scotland in 1838 .
• He worked as an architect, designer, and organ designer.
• Together with his brother Maurice, he published numerous books on architecture and design.
• He died in 1925 (aged 87).

Maurice Ashdown Owsley

• Born in Edinburgh , Scotland in 1842 .
• Active as an architect and designer.
• Together with his brother George, he published numerous books on architecture and design.
• He died in 1906 (aged 64).

Representative works

• The Practical Decorator and Ornamentist (1892)
• Polychromatic Decoration as Applied to Buildings in the Mediaeval Styles (1882)

Characteristics and influence of this book

The Practical Decorator and Decorative Artist is a practical guide to decorative design that reflects the ideals of the Arts and Crafts movement . The Owsley brothers designed many simple yet beautiful patterns that combined natural motifs and geometric shapes .

These patterns were applied in a variety of fields , including wallpaper, textiles, furniture, and architectural decoration , and contributed to the spread of the Arts and Crafts style. The beauty of the designs continues to inspire contemporary designers.

This work can be said to be a representative example of the Arts and Crafts movement , which pursued the harmony of functionality and beauty in decorative arts .