Design for Arched Window, Farnborough 1880 - 1886

Editor: Here we have Jules-Edmond-Charles Lachaise's "Design for Arched Window, Farnborough", created sometime between 1880 and 1886. It’s a watercolor and ink drawing on paper. The soft colours give it a really ethereal feel. It's quite unique. What are your immediate thoughts on this design? Curator: Oh, it whispers tales, doesn’t it? For me, it's like stepping into a pre-Raphaelite daydream. I imagine this window bathing a room in soft, almost liturgical light, the delicate floral patterns echoing the quiet dedication of the Arts and Crafts movement. You see how the negative space within the window design itself seems to yearn for stories to be told, light to filter through... What stories do you think those delicate, hand-drawn motifs might tell? Editor: I hadn’t thought about it telling a story... Maybe it's about nature? The floral patterns suggest that to me, perhaps an idealized version of it. Curator: Yes, absolutely! The Arts and Crafts movement strived to elevate nature as an artistic and spiritual guide. Notice also the almost medieval quality to the chalices integrated into the design; they point towards something sacred, something beyond the purely decorative. The colours too; muted tones pulling away from the industrialized brightness of the cities at the time. Do you think that creates a link between function and feeling, practically inviting meditation? Editor: It does, now that you mention it. The colour palette and design elements work together to create that meditative feel. I didn't notice that connection at first. Curator: Art is often that gentle seduction; initially presenting one idea and unfurling several others, like this artwork which encourages us to consider history, design and the yearning for something more. Editor: Absolutely. I’m so glad to know so much more about this amazing design.