Book Illustration, The Grammar of Ornament, Moresque no. 5, plate XLIII

This object is not part of the Cooper Hewitt's permanent collection. It was able to spend time at the museum on loan from Smithsonian Libraries and Archives as part of Making Design.

In 1832 Owen Jones embarked on a Grand Tour, travelling to Italy, Greece, Egypt, Turkey and Spain. Along with fellow architect James Goury, Jones completed a detailed analysis of the Islamic decoration at the Alhambra Palace. Upon Goury’s death in 1834, Jones returned to London, and spent the next nine years publishing the results of their studies. In order to render the intricate decorations of the Alhambra in print, Jones pioneered new standards in chromolithography.
Over the ensuing years Jones developed bold new theories on flat patterning, geometry and abstraction in ornament. His carefully observed studies at the Alhambra were pivotal in this evolution. In 1856 Jones published “The Grammar of Ornament” as a design sourcebook, illustrating his principles in the arrangement of form and color in architecture and the decorative arts. Jones is best remembered for this publication due to its overwhelming influence and the fact that it is still in print today.

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Making Design.