DRESSER, Christopher.

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Principles of Decorative Design. First edition in book form. An influence on the arts and crafts movement, Dresser makes the case for the importance of decorative design in all handicraft. It was first published as a series of articles in the Technical Educator between 1870 and 1873."Dresser believed it necessary to co-operate with industry to bring well-made objects within reach of the widest possible public. He made a point of working with modern materials such as cast iron and linoleum. His design theory was based on the belief that natural forms should be abstracted and made geometric for use in ornamentation, and he likened the designer's mind to 'the vital force of the plant ever developing itself into forms of beauty'" (ODNB). His personal motto, "Truth, Beauty, Power", is lettered in gilt on the front cover.

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