19th CENTURY BRITISH DECORATIVE ARTS: The Aesthetic Movement and Influences of Japan with Christopher Menz

British design for the decorative arts during the second half of the 19th century underwent dramatic changes and was subject to reform in all areas. Eclectic sources were featured and designers drew inspiration from ancient and exotic cultures as well as Europe’s more recent past. The Aesthetic Movement, which drew on several sources, was largely influenced by the fashion for Japanese art and design. Two of the Movement’s most celebrated desgners were Christopher Dresser and E W Godwin.

Christopher Menz is a specialist in decorative arts and has published extensively on the subject. He has worked as Curator at the National Gallery of Australia, National Gallery of Victoria and Art Gallery of South Australia. From 2005 to 2010 he was Director of the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Worcester, Aesthetic teapot, 1882