Sutherland 1870 - 1871

Owen Jones, the Welsh architect and designer, created this beautiful pattern, ‘Sutherland’, using watercolor and graphite. In 19th-century Britain, design reform was in the air, and Jones was a central figure. His designs, with their vibrant colors and intricate geometric patterns, sought to democratize access to beauty. Jones was deeply inspired by Islamic art, believing it held the key to harmonious design principles. The cultural context of Victorian England, with its rapid industrialization and growing middle class, fueled a desire for accessible art and design. Jones tapped into this desire, advocating for design that was both aesthetically pleasing and functional. This piece reflects a progressive ethos, challenging the elitism of the fine arts by bringing sophisticated design to everyday objects. To truly understand Jones's vision, we can delve into the archives of design history, exploring pattern books and the records of institutions like the South Kensington Museum, now the Victoria and Albert Museum, where Jones played a key role in shaping its collections and educational programs.