Dr. Christopher Dresser Biography
The Life and Career of Dr. Christopher Dresser
Dr. Christopher Dresser, born in Glasgow, was a botanist who became the most famous and celebrated designer to emerge from the late Victorian Period within the Industrial Revolution. His most famous quote is: "In Pursuit of Truth, Beauty, and Power". He brought beauty, function, and design to the masses, working with mechanization to design beautiful objects that could be mass-produced, drawing all his inspiration from nature. He designed cast iron work for Coalbrookdale, rare furniture, glass, pottery, silver and silver plate, brass and copper wares, fabrics, linoleum, and tiles. He had his own design studio, employing many designers including Moyar Smith, whose work he oversaw. In the 1880s, he was the most successful designer in the country.
Key Milestones in Dr Christopher Dresser's Life
- 1834: Born in Glasgow, Scotland.
- 1847: Attends the Government School of Design at Somerset House, London, where he is awarded a scholarship and wins many design medals.
- 1854: Marries Thirza Perry of Maidley and becomes a lecturer in botany at the Government School of Design.
- 1856: Draws plate XCVIII, 'The Geometric Arrangement of Flowers' for Owen Jones’s book 'The Grammar of Ornament'.
- 1859: Awarded a doctorate from the University of Jena for his contribution to botanical science.
- 1860: Sets up his first design studio.
- 1862: Publishes his book 'The Art of Decorative Design' and exhibits at 'The London International Exhibition'.
- 1869: Moves to a large house in Camden Hill, London, called 'Tower Cressy'.
- 1873: Writes a series of articles 'The Principles of Decorative Design' for Cassell’s 'The Technical Educator'.
- 1874-1876: Compiles 'Studies in Design' in 20 parts to educate people on better home decoration styles.
- 1876: Travels to Japan to deliver a gift to the newly opened National Museum in Tokyo, collects art for inspiration and for Louis Comfort Tiffany.
- 1880: Appointed Art Manager of the Art Furnishers' Alliance on Bond Street, London, and serves as art editor of 'The Furniture Gazette' until 1881.
- 1882: Designs furniture and interiors for Bushloe House, Wigston Magna, near Leicester, and publishes 'Japan Its Architecture, Art and Art Manufactures'.
- 1883: The Art Furnishers' Alliance goes into liquidation; Arthur Lasenby Liberty was a shareholder. Dresser moves to Sutton, London.
- 1886: Publishes 'Modern Ornamentation' with work by his assistants and students.
- 1889: Moves to Elm Bank in Barnes.
- 1904: Dies in Mulhouse, France, on a business trip with his son Louis.
Dr. Christopher Dresser's journey through life reflects his immense contribution to the world of design, art, and botany. His work and philosophy continue to inspire designers and artists worldwide.
