Colour Decoration of Architecture

"Colour Decoration of Architecture" by James Ward is a comprehensive treatise on the use of color and decoration in architecture, written in the early 20th century. The work aims to serve decorators, students, and craftsmen by providing insights into interior and exterior color applications, enriched with historical references from various European artistic traditions. It seeks to encourage a renewed appreciation for color in both public and private architecture, challenging the prevalent drabness of modern buildings. At the start of the book, the author establishes the importance of color in architecture, referencing John Ruskin's view that true architecture cannot be perfect without it. Ward elaborates on historical trends that once embraced vibrant decor, contrasting these with contemporary hesitance towards color, attributing this shift to cultural factors including Puritanism and the influence of architects like Palladio, who deemed color undesirable. Through the opening chapters, he highlights the relationship between nature and color, emphasizing the need for a harmonious and thoughtful application of color to enhance architectural beauty, functionality, and emotional resonance. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

James Ward (1851–1924) Belfast-born artist, author and teacher. Ward was an important figure in the Irish and British art scene in the late 19th and early 20th century. He is best known in Ireland for his striking murals in Dublin City Hall depicting scenes from Dublin’s history. Besides being the author of influential textbooks, Ward was an innovative teacher who taught and inspired a generation of Irish artists.