Every-Day Art

'The great picture-galleries may be likened to the temples of art... but every day and all day long we breathe the atmosphere of ornament.' Originally published in 1882, Every-Day Art is a series of essays on design and decoration in daily life by Lewis Foreman Day (1845-1910), a pioneering member of the Arts and Crafts movement. Day trained as a stained glass maker before becoming a celebrated designer of textiles, ceramics, wallpaper and furniture. Sharing with his contemporary William Morris the belief that objects could be both useful and beautiful, Day considers questions of taste, the past, interiors, nature and craftsmanship. Progressive yet undeniably Victorian, he offers pithy comment on the elevated status of so-called high art compared to the decorative arts, and has sage advice for 'Ladies and Amateurs' considering artistic careers. His entertaining and perceptive essays are anchored by a strong belief that craft and honestly acquired skill should win out over the whims and excesses of fashion.