The Bauhaus: Manifesto and Manufacturing  by Jean François Bélisle The most important European school of design and architecture in the 20th century was founded in Weimar by Walter Gropius in 1919. He gave his vision of the regeneration of humankind the programmatic title of the “ Bauhaus”. Like the medieval cathedral stonemasons’ lodges, the school was intended to unite all the artisanal crafts under one roof. The most important European school of design and architecture in the 20th century was founded in Weimar by Walter Gropius in 1919. He gave his vision of the regeneration of humankind the programmatic title of the “ Bauhaus”. Like the medieval cathedral stonemasons’ lodges, the school was intended to unite all the artisanal crafts under one roof. The most important European school of design and architecture in the 20th century was founded in Weimar by Walter Gropius in 1919. He gave his vision of the regeneration of humankind the programmatic title of the “ Bauhaus”. Like the medieval cathedral stonemasons’ lodges, the school was intended to unite all the artisanal crafts under one roof. The most important European school of design and architecture in the 20th century was founded in Weimar by Walter Gropius in 1919. He gave his vision of the regeneration of humankind the programmatic title of the “ Bauhaus”. Like the medieval cathedral stonemasons’ lodges, the school was intended to unite all the artisanal crafts under one roof.  >> Read the full article...		10/1/2004
		Vienna Secession: Defining Modern Design  by Francine Proulx In 1897, Viennese graphic artists, painters, architects, and designers, stifled by the constraints of the Academy of Fine Arts, seceded in their desire to break away from traditional classicism, to recognize the international art trends and to integrate the fine, decorative, and applied arts. One of the most notable among the group Gustav Klimt (1862-1918), created the Vienna Secession with its motto, ¡§To the age, its art. To the art, its freedom.¡¨ >> Read the full article...		10/1/2004
		The Mackintosh Effect On Arts & Crafts  by Francine Proulx It is only in recent years that Mackintosh’s place in design history, particularly his influence on American Arts & Crafts, has been recognized. His artistic sensibility created an individual style combining the ebonized wood and Asian influence of Aestheticism with the Arts & Crafts simplicity of form and the organic flow of Art Nouveau in a unique way, laying the foundation for the Modern Movement. >> Read the full article...		9/1/2004
		Moroccan Furniture:A Multitude of Styles  by Todd Sigety Moroccan furniture and interior décor consists primarily of Moorish and Turkish designs such as ottomans, couches, bolsters and decorative pillows and throws as well as French-inspired furniture reflecting many periods and styles.  >> Read the full article...		8/1/2004
		French Provincial Furniture  by Todd Sigety Over the centuries, French furniture has taken on many styles and forms, usually with Paris setting the particular design trends, forms and aesthetics. French provincial furniture design encompasses a wide range of periods and styles. Much French provincial furniture is in the Louis XV style, yet there is much more to French provincial aesthetic and style. >> Read the full article...		7/1/2004
		Venice And Beyond  by Todd Sigety The city of Venice has always been rich in the history of decorative arts. Furniture was no exception, with some fantastic pieces of painted furniture designed and crafted within the city. >> Read the full article...		6/1/2004
		Coalbrookdale: Innovation in Iron  by Todd W. Sigety Located in Coalbrookdale, England and founded in 1709 by Abraham Darby (1678-1717), the Coalbrookdale Company has been an innovative force in commercial and consumer iron manufacture for close to three centuries. In 1709, Darby choose Coalbrookdale because of the natural resources available in the area for manufacturing iron, which included coal, limestone and clay.  >> Read the full article...		4/1/2004
		Anglo Indian Furniture  by Todd W. Sigety Queen Elizabeth I chartered the East India Trade Company in the year 1600. The company’s original and primary objective was to establish trade routes to and with Asia. In this regard, the East India Trade Company was established for economic reasons as opposed to an interest in gaining additional colonial territories >> Read the full article...		3/1/2004
		Chinoiserie Furniture  by Todd W. Sigety The term chinoiserie typically defines a western decorative arts interpretation of oriental styles, designs, motifs and ornamental techniques influenced by Asian decorative arts and culture. Chinoiserie design was most prominently influenced by China, but also included Japanese elements and, to a lesser extent, Indian influences. Thomas Chippendale was greatly influenced by the orient in general, and specifically by China. >> Read the full article...		2/1/2004
		Southern Furniture  by Todd W. Sigety When considering the connoisseurship of American colonial period furniture, the geographic regions that first come to mind are Philadelphia, Boston, and Newport, Rhode Island. But colonial period furniture from the south? Until recently, nothing made below the Mason-Dixon Line was taken seriously. Now, however, collectors, conservators, connoisseurs, and antiquarians agree that the scholarship of American colonial furniture is incomplete without an examination of southern antiquities and decorative arts. >> Read the full article...		1/1/2004