The V&A Book of Colour in Design

A beautifully presented survey of design and the applied arts explored not by use, material, form or date – but by colour

Throughout history and in all cultures, designers and makers have been concerned not only with the fluctuating relationship between the form and function of objects but also with their colour. This unique book explores and celebrates colour in all aspects of design, whether used for decorative effect or symbolic intent. It will transform the way we think about the objects around us that unwittingly define where we come from and who we are.

Table of Contents:

Introduction • White • Grey • Yellow • Orange • Pink • Red • Purple • Blue • Turquoise • Green • Brown • Black

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The V&A Book of Colour in Design is attractively simple: a celebration and exploration of colour, as revealed through objects in the world-class collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Structured by colour, it offers fascinating insights into the choices made by designers and makers from across the world and throughout history.

Each chapter begins with a brief introduction that considers the history, symbolism, and use of an individual colour. Objects – from items of jewellery, textiles, glassware and ceramics to furniture and more – are reproduced in a visual selection that explores the varied hues of every colour. However different objects within each section may be in their detail and meaning, they are united by their common colour, revealing surprising connections between them. Throughout, narrative captions bring together disparate items from across the V&A’s collection to explore the universal significance of colour in art and design.

Beautifully designed, this highly visual, colour-led survey of design and the applied arts is a compelling sourcebook with broad appeal for anyone interested or involved in all aspects of visual culture.