Ornament 1875 - 1885

This drawing of an ornament was designed by Richardson Ellson & Co., using graphite on paper. The design features a series of stacked geometric forms, each adorned with intricate patterns. Note how the use of graphite allows for a high level of detail, capturing the texture and depth of the proposed ornament. The ornament's intricate, hand-rendered quality speaks to the skill and labor involved in its creation. Although it is a drawing, it serves as a bridge between the realms of design, craft, and industry, highlighting the interplay between handcraftsmanship and industrialized production methods. The ornament, in its intended form, would have likely been produced through a combination of skilled hand labor and mechanized processes, reflecting the changing nature of production during the time it was made. By examining its materials, making, and intended context, we gain insight into the cultural and economic forces that shaped its creation, blurring the lines between fine art and craft.