The International Exhibition Philadelphia 1876, P5/5

Here we are with the last post for this week – part 5 of the superb illustrations from The Art Journal 1876, of the International exhibition 1876. There are probably enough images to go on posting them for another week or more, but it would start to get a bit too repetitive – there are only so many “Silver Repousse” centerpieces you can look at before you start to tire of them !

A number of things have really stood out doing these posts. One is the superb level of Craftsmanship at every level, and incredible attention to the smallest of details – which in todays fast-moving world seems near impossible – or if possible the cost then so prohibitive the pieces would be unaffordable.

Another thing that stands out is the superb use of pattern as decoration – whether painted on tiles, ceramics, chased on silver, or in wood detailing or inlay, or even in the simplest of fabrics. You can only imagine the power and influence of these exhibits in their full glory and colour. Just a pity there weren’t some colour engravings to get an idea of the colour schemes of some of the tiles or fabrics especially.