Vintage Textile Swirl Design – Mousepad

Textile design on fabric by Christopher Dresser. Christopher Dresser, 1834 – 1904, was an English designer and design theorist, born in Glasgow, Scotland, now widely known as one of the first and most important, independant, designers and was a pivotal figure in the Aesthetic Movement, and a major contributor to the allied Anglo-Japanese branch of the Movement; both originated in England and had long lasting international influence. From 1859 his design work widened to include carpets, ceramics, furniture, glass, graphics, metalwork, including silver and electroplate, and textiles printed and woven. In 1865 the Building News reported that in the early part of his career he had been active as a designer of wallpapers, textiles and carpets thus the most active revolutioniser in the decorative art of the day. He wrote several books on design and ornament. In 1876-77 Dresser travelled about 2000 miles in Japan, recording his impressions. He represented the South Kensington Museum while in Japan, and was received at court by the Emperor, who ordered Dresser to be treated as a guest of the nation – all doors were open to him. His pioneering study of Japanese art is evident in much of his work which is considered typical of the Anglo-Japanese style. He is noted for his extensive ceramic work as well as wallpaper designs and textiles.