Today we'll explore the graphic style generally known as Victorian, a design aesthetic that is now enjoying its latest revival. Unusual hand-carved wood types seemed to appear overnight; inventions meant to attract and captivate the viewer. (Image courtesy "American Wood Type: 1828-1900" by Rob Roy Kelly, collection of Mark Oatis).
The Victorian era, spanning from 1837 to 1901, was a significant period in British history, marked by the rise of iconic and influential graphic designers like William Morris and Walter Crane. After the Great Exhibition of 1851, tastes ran to exaggerated embellishment of virtually every article in the Victorian home. Victorian era printed design did not reflect a philosophy, instead the style was a celebration of the evolving technologies of mass production.
Victorian Graphic Design Poster
The Victorian era, spanning from 1837 to 1901, was a time of great innovation and artistic expression. This period in history is known for its elaborate and ornate design style, which has continued to inspire artists and designers to this day. In the world of graphic design, the Victorian era has left a lasting impact, with its intricate patterns, rich color palettes, and attention to detail.
Victorian graphic design is a style of design that originated during the reign of Queen Victoria in the 19th century. The Victorian era was an influential period for graphic design, with many new techniques and technologies being developed. Victorian Design, marked by intense social and industrial changes, has a great deal of influences.
Graphic Design Styles - Master Design
In a single piece of work we can often find more than just one style influencing its creation. The charm of nostalgia remained present, reminding people of the "good old times", when in reality the Industrial Revolution was catapulting them into a complete new era. 200 years later we are.
The Victorian design style almost always filled the entire page with images and type. Later Victorian style tended to use the decorative borders less but still used ornate type and romantic imagery. Typography through the Victorian era generally appeared in a curve or wave and was commonly encompassed in a banner.
Victorian Graphic Design Poster
The Victorian 'look' was intensely influenced by their nostalgia for objects from the past. The Victorian design elements were used to decorate borders and elaborate typography. Symmetry was also used heavily in layout and design.
The design style of the Victorian's always filled up the entire page with images and type. Victorian Graphic Design left a mark on both British and American design history. In Britain, the ornate embellishments served as a symbol of prosperity and cultural values.
Meanwhile, America embraced the combination of various design elements to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing society driven by industrialisation and consumerism. GRAPHIC DESIGN STYLES IN A NUTSHELL Victorian: 1840-1900 The Victorian era was a time of strong moral and religious beliefs. The Victorian love for ornate complexity and fussiness was applied to architecture, furniture, interiors, fashion as well as typography and commercial art.
Sentimentality, nostalgia and idealized beauty are clearly visible in the images from this era. The Victorian look.