Design’s Joyous Mantle
I’m writing, writing, writing papers this weekend, trying to wrap up last term before Spring term starts on the 22nd. Some of you have asked me to write more about what I’m studying in my program (I’m getting a Masters in the History of Decorative Arts and Design) and I promise that part of being a full time student is going to be writing more here about what I’m learning. Here’s a tiny look.
I came across this image while researching the rediscovery of French furniture/style in New York City in the 1920s (think robber barons, sexy interior designers and buying trips to France, among other things). This interior is “in the French style” — I love the detailing and the wallpaper, actually. The whole effect is a little bit cluttered, but still elegant.
A line in a 1928 article from the trade magazine “Good Furniture” caught my eye — the magazine pronounces that “Design is spreading its joyous mantel wider every day.” It’s a beautiful phrase and description of the power and importance of design. While the article was written 80 years ago I think that one might read that line in a blog some place today and it wouldn’t seem out of place — that there is this idea out there that our interest and “craze” for design is a new thing (that happened when Martha Steward did a line for Kmart or Target hooked up with Isaac Mizrahi). But, clearly not. Interesting, right?
January 21st, 2008 09:40
Hello from Canada!
I can’t wait to learn more about your studies. Bring it on!
January 21st, 2008 17:01
All the best for your studies!!!