The French Archive of Design and Decoration

New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1999. First edition (presumed; no earlier dates stated). Folio in yellow-black color illus DJ, 255 pages, chiefly b&w illustrations (some color), 32 cm. Extremely gentle rubbing and faint sunning to spine foot, light bump to front board edge, tight binding, bright pages, exceedingly mild rubbing to DJ corners, pale soiling to DJ, else near fine(+) in near fine(+) DJ. in near fine dust-jacket. Hardcover. ISBN: 0810933381

DJ protected in archival mylar sleeve. The sequel to "The English Archive", this is a visual anthology of original designs of interiors, furniture, textiles, ceramics, glass and metalware. Sections run from the time of Louis XIV and the influence of Versailles at the end of the 17th century to the 1920s and the flowering of art deco. Each section is prefaced by a short historical note, followed by extensive captions and plates. Reprinted in both colour and black-and-white, there are original sketches and printed patterns from three centuries of design for furniture, textiles, wallpapers, glass, ceramics and whole interiors - a French archive of style and decoration. Manufacturers, designers, decorators, retailers, craftsmen and homemakers alike should find this treasury of the French design heritage a useful source of ideas. It also includes a comprehensive resource directory. Contents: Introduction -- Into the 18th century, the influence of Versailles -- Régence and Louis XV, the triumph of Rococo -- Transition, Louis XVI and Directoire, the new classicism -- Consulate, Empire and Restoration, styles imperial -- Second Empire and Fin-de-sićle, revivalism and revolution -- Twentieth-century duality, art deco and modernism. Design -- France -- History.