Design drawing 1878 - 1888

Editor: So, here we have "Design Drawing" by Christopher Dresser, likely created sometime between 1878 and 1888. It’s currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I’m struck by how orderly and controlled the floral and geometric patterns are, almost mathematical. What do you make of it? Curator: Mathematical is an interesting read! It makes me wonder what the soul of pattern truly is? The geometry here definitely anchors us; Dresser was deeply involved in the Arts and Crafts movement. Can you see how it is an explicit effort to reclaim beauty from industrial drudgery, trying to imbue everyday objects with artistic merit? Imagine these designs adorning a humble teapot or a wallpaper – suddenly the mundane sings. Does it make you think differently about what constitutes "art"? Editor: Absolutely, I guess I usually think of art as…larger. More imposing. Curator: Well, consider this a radical gesture then! Dresser sought to democratize aesthetics, almost as if declaring beauty a basic human right. Do you think this intent changes your understanding of his methods? I would be keen to see his work everywhere! Editor: Definitely, understanding the ‘why’ makes the ‘what’ much richer. I still feel a bit uneasy about patterns and "art," though! I might have to sit with it to fully digest this thought. Curator: Unease is great, sit in that, maybe paint it into something grand. It seems we are always redefining boundaries; what's thrilling is finding a definition that holds just for a heartbeat!