Rich amalgam of Islamic and North African design styles; most on grids. 340 illus.

North African Textiles celebrates a living tradition whose dynamism is apparent in the continued flourishing of old techniques and styles, whilst readily adapting to new materials and markets. The authors provide a much needed survey of a neglected subject and offer valuable new insights into the significance of textiles in the understanding of North African cultural tradition as a whole.

This book brings together for the first time in one volume the wide range of patterns and motifs used in antique textiles in the East and West. It examines the treatment of similar patterns - floral, pictorial, tree and leaf patterns, crosses and so on - by weavers of different origins. Each chapter takes a theme out of which a number of patterns have sprung, and begins with a succinct explanatory text on interpretations of the theme by various weavers. This is followed by a wide selection of colour illustrations showing the diverse treatment of that theme in carpets and textiles, together with detailed captions describing the weavers' techniques and their use of pattern and colour. Superbly illustrated in full colour, this attractive and affordable book provides a rich source of inspiration for both designers and design students as well as being invaluable for carpet enthusiasts.

Educational resource for teachers, parents and kids!

This pictorial survey of African fabric prints includes contemporary bold two- and three-color designs, stripes, grids, and geometrics arranged with a focus on design, color, and pattern. Shown are commercially-made adaptations of traditional African designs in cotton, rayon, wool, synthetics, metallics and surface embellishment. The photographs are lively references and inspiration to artists and designers of fashion and fabrics.

This survey of textile fundamentals and methods, written by the foremost textile artist of the 20th century, covers hand weaving and the loom, fundamental construction and draft notation, modified and composite weaves, early techniques of thread interlacing, interrelation of fiber and construction, tactile sensibility, and design. 9 color illustrations. 112 black-and-white plates.

The renowned and highly influential architect, furniture-maker, interior designer and photographer Eileen Gray was born in Ireland and remained throughout her life an Irishwoman at heart. An elusive figure, her interior world has never before been observed as closely as in this ground-breaking study of her work, philosophy and inner circle of fellow artists. Jennifer Goff expertly blends art history and biography to create a stunning ensemble, offering a clear beacon of light into truly understanding Gray - the woman and the professional. Gray was a self-taught polymath and her work was multi-functional, user-friendly, ready for mass production yet succinctly unique, and her designs show great technical virtuosity. Her expertise in lacquer work and carpet design, often overlooked, is given due attention in this book, as is her fascinating relationship with the architect Le Corbusier and many other compelling and complex relationships. The book also offers rare insights into Gray s early years as an artist. The primary source material for this book is drawn from the Eileen Gray collection at the National Museum of Ireland and its wealth of documentation, correspondence, personal archives, photographs and oral history.