11 Facts About Christopher Dresser

Christopher Dresser was a British designer and design theorist, now widely known as one of the first and most important, independent designers.

Christopher Dresser was a pivotal figure in the Aesthetic Movement and a major contributor to the allied Anglo-Japanese or Modern Style, both of which originated in England and had long-lasting international influence.

Christopher Dresser was born in Glasgow, Scotland, of a Yorkshire family.

Christopher Dresser claimed to have designed "as much as any man" at the International Exhibition London 1862.

Christopher Dresser wrote several books on design and ornament, including The Art of Decorative Design, The Development of Ornamental Art in the International Exhibition, and Principles of Design (1873), which was addressed in the preface to "working men".

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Christopher Dresser was commissioned by Messrs Tiffany of New York to form a collection, whilst in Japan, of art objects both old and new that should illustrate the manufactures of that country.

In four months in 1876 - 1877 Christopher Dresser travelled about 2000 miles in Japan, recording his impressions in Japan, its Architecture, Art and Art-Manufactures.

Christopher Dresser represented the South Kensington Museum whilst in Japan, and was received at court by the Emperor, who ordered Dresser to be treated as a guest of the nation – all doors were open to him.

Christopher Dresser was requested by the Japanese Government to write a report on 'Trade with Europe'.

Christopher Dresser's pioneering study of Japanese art is evident in much of his work which is considered typical of the Anglo-Japanese style.

Alberto Alessi goes so far as to say Christopher Dresser 'knew the techniques of metal production better than any designer who has come to Alessi'.