Two design drawings 1878 - 1888

These two design drawings were made by Christopher Dresser in the late 19th century. Dresser was a pivotal figure in the Aesthetic Movement and a pioneer of industrial design, who championed the integration of art and manufacturing. His designs reflect a fascination with botanical forms, evident in the stylized plant motifs seen here. Yet, his work goes beyond mere imitation. Dresser sought to uncover the underlying geometric structures within nature, aligning with broader Victorian-era efforts to classify and understand the natural world. In many ways his approach reflects the Victorian desire to reconcile art with science, emotion with reason. The symmetrical arrangements and flattened perspectives also reveal the influence of Japanese art, which gained popularity in Europe during Dresser's time, challenging traditional Western notions of depth and realism. These drawings highlight Dresser's commitment to accessible, mass-producible designs.