ABSTRACT
One of the most original designers of the nineteenth century, Christopher Dresser was educated at the Government School of Design at Somerset House in London between 1847 and 1854. In 1855 he was appointed professor of artistic botany in the School. Dresser arguably became the first industrial designer identified by name on his work, which included ceramic, glass, metal, furniture, wallpapers and textiles. He was influenced by Owen Jones, whose Grammar of Ornament of 1856 included Dresser’s first published botanical illustration. In the decoration of rooms color-harmony plays an important part in producing desirable results. Simple colors, if harmoniously combined, always look well, while no combination of tints can be satisfying if discordant. The production of repose being of the first importance, the authors have to confine decoration to its proper office as a background to the furniture and occupants of a room.
