William Burges's Great Bookcase and The Victorian Colour Revolution

William Burges's Great Bookcase and The Victorian Colour RevolutionDiscover the enchanting world of William Burges's Great Bookcase and The Victorian Colour Revolution through Charlotte Ribeyrol's insightful exploration. This remarkable book presents a captivating case study of an iconic piece of furniture that has captivated art enthusiasts for generations. Featuring contributions from 13 eminent artists, such as Edward Burne Jones and Albert Moore, this unique bookcase underwent a renaissance at the Ashmolean

Discover the enchanting world of William Burges's Great Bookcase and The Victorian Colour Revolution through Charlotte Ribeyrol's insightful exploration. This remarkable book presents a captivating case study of an iconic piece of furniture that has captivated art enthusiasts for generations. Featuring contributions from 13 eminent artists, such as Edward Burne-Jones and Albert Moore, this unique bookcase underwent a renaissance at the Ashmolean Museum after more than 80 years. Ribeyrol dives deep into the chromophilia of Burges, a Pre-Raphaelite architect who fiercely debated the aesthetics of color in the vibrant 1860s. The period marked the introduction of synthetic dyes, revolutionizing color theory and influencing the works of poets and painters in Burges's circle. Through a meticulous examination of the eight painted panels of the Great Bookcase, Ribeyrol artfully links the themes of art, literature, and chemistry, unveiling the profound impacts of the Victorian Colour Revolution. This definitive account showcases new photography and groundbreaking interdisciplinary research, offering readers a holistic understanding of Burges’s legacy and the artistic revival of polychromy across history. Perfect for art lovers, historians, and anyone intrigued by the evolution of color in Victorian design, this book is an essential addition to your collection. Immerse yourself in the beautiful intersection of art and science, and witness how Burges's artistry transformed color’s role in aesthetic discourse.