Christopher Dresser
Christopher Dresser (1834-1904), designer of applied arts (objects for household use and decoration), one of the world’s earliest independent industrial designers.
1834 Born in Glasgow
1847 Christopher Dresser entered the Government School of Design in London, where he came under the spell of the outstanding designer and design theorist, Owen Jones (1809-74).
1858 Dresser’s first designs for manufacturers included a carpet for Jackson and Graham (circa 1840-85).
1859 Dresser received a doctorate in Botany from Jena University, in Thuringia, Germany. Although he did not long pursue an academic career, the lessons drawn from nature were to have a profound effect on Dresser’s career as a designer.
Throughout his life, Dresser lectured and published on design.
1862 "The Art of Decorative Design" was published, followed by "Principles of Decorative Design" in 1873 arguably his most important publication, and "Japan, Its Architecture and Art Manufactures" published in 1882 recalling his significant and influential trip there in 1876-77.
From 1867 he was designing for Wedgwood, and Minton (ceramics), Green and Nephew (glass) and Coalbrookdale (cast iron).
1877 Started working with metalworkers Hukin and Heath
1878 Working with Benham and Froud
1879 Designs for James Dixon and Sons
1883 Working with Perry and Co
1879-82 In partnership with Charles Holme (1848–1923) as Dresser and Holme, wholesale importers of Oriental goods, with a warehouse at 7 Farringdon Road, London.
1879-82 Art Superintendent at the Linthorpe Art Pottery
1885 Working with Elkington and Co.
1888 First created glass designs for James Couper.
1890 Working with William Ault and Co.
1904 Died at Mulhouse, France