#owenjones

It’s the season for decorating! If you are looking for something different or need inspiration, why not study The Grammar of Ornament from 1865? Harvard’s Mirador viewer lets you view the entire book! https://iiif.lib.harvard.edu/manifests/view/drs:425343599$1i (Link also available in our bio.)

The Fine Arts Library owns an original folio edition of Owen Jones’s (1809–1874)work, The Grammar of Ornament, one of the most influential color plate books on decorative design and ornament of the nineteenth century.

In the opening chapter, Jones wrote that one of the universal qualities among humankind is the desire to make beautiful things. Jones, an architect by training, assembled more than one hundred plates illustrating patterns and ornament from around the world and over different periods of time. Many of his illustrations were based on what he saw in museums and private collections in England at that time and in the Universal Exhibitions held in London in 1851 and 1855, as well as from his personal travels in Europe and parts of the Middle East.

The Grammar of Ornament employed the latest and most sophisticated printmaking innovations. The readers at that time must have noticed the wide range of colors in Jones’ lithographs. In color lithography, each color is printed from a separate lithographic stone, and the time, commercial lithographic printing usually included a set of only three or four colors. Knowing that color played a crucial role in ornament, Jones employed assistants and set out to create lithograph prints that required as many as twenty lithographic stones. The result was this beautiful publication.

Image 1: Egyptian No.1

Image 2: Egyptian No. 4

Image 3: Nineveh 7 Persia No. 1

Image 4: Greek No. 7

Image 5: Arabian No. 4

Image 6: Detail from Arabian No. 4

The grammar of ornament By Owen Jones ; illustrated by examples from various styles of ornament ; one hundred and twelve plates. Jones, Owen, 1809-1874 [author] London : Published by Day and Son, Limited, [1865] 157 pages, 100, that is, 111 leaves of plates : illustrations (some colored) ; 35 cm English HOLLIS number: 990050472950203941

Color illustration of Nineveh & Persian design showing several different patterns

Color illustration of Greek design showing several bold patterns inspired by plants and flower, mostly against dark background.

Color illustration of Arabian design showing several intricate Islamic mosaic patterns.

From Owen Jones's "The Grammar of Ornament," printed in 1856. Jones was an influential 19th century designer and architect, who is well known for his work with patterns and color theory.

From: Jones, Owen, 1809-1874. The grammar of ornament. London : B. Quaritch, 1868

Hello!

This might be the same fic that was recommended in an earlier post:

A Hand To Your Darkness by Owenjones (M)

It's the 60's, Crowley is feeling awful about life, and he gets talked into buying some heroin off Shadwell. “Is this one of those that slows things down or speeds them up?”  Shadwell laughed, “You certainly don’t need anything to go fast, Mr. Crowley,” he winced at his phrasing, “No, this will slow everything down.”  “I’ll take it.”

If not, would any of our lovely followers help this reader out?

Bookcase door panel, Owen Jones, c. 1866, Minneapolis Institute of Art: Decorative Arts, Textiles and Sculpture

door (keyhole on L edge) with scroll and foliate inlaid design; floral forms in corners. Architecture - Fragment After extensive study travels throughout Egypt, Turkey, and Spain, Owen Jones published Plans, Elevations, Sections and Details of the Alhambra in 1842. This pioneer work illustrated Islamic design motifs and was the first major British work printed in chromolithography. Jones's own adaptation of the Islamic style is best exemplified by the interiors he created for 16 Carlton House Terrace, the London townhouse of scholar and antiquarian Alfred Morrison (1821-1897). Jones and Morrison's passion for Orientalism and craftsmanship, with the help of Morrison's considerable fortune, resulted in a rich layering of ornament throughout the townhouse's first two floors. Nearly every surface was decorated with exotic woods, enamel, marble, or gilding in geometric and naturalistic patterns. This door panel from a bookcase illustrates the archeologically-inspired Pompeian theme of Morrison's study, where he displayed Venetian glass, Chinese vases, and metalwork from his collection. Jones's designs for furniture and paneling, including this piece, were executed by London's most respected cabinetmakers, the firm of Jackson and Graham. Note in this gallery the enameled glass flasks, also designed for Morrison's townhouse by Owen Jones, and the Etruscan table made by Jackson & Graham from Alexander Prignot's design. Size: 37 5/8 x 14 x 15/16 in. (95.57 x 35.56 x 2.38 cm) Medium: Wood

“I’m sorry, I’m just wondering if you could help me? I’m looking for my brother, he’s tallish, blonde, dopey looking? Have you seen him? I’m beginning to forget what he looks like if I’m honest.” Lucy teased as she stood in his bedroom doorway, leaning against the wooden from with a smirk on her face.