2,286 Traditional Stencil Designs

Rating:
Summary: Cache of Design for Decorative Painters
Review: 2289 Traditional Stencil Designs is the reprinting of two catalogues (circa 1918 & 1920) from "Excelsior" Fresco Stencils. It is a rich resource of ornamental motifs providing an invaluable record of American decorative tastes during the first quarter of the 20th Century. Restoration and Renovation enthusiasts will find some of the anonymous English and American inspired designs representative of the Aesthetic Movement and Early Arts and Crafts Movement useful for their projects. Lyrical and expressive motifs abound, along with French inspired friezes, Neo Classical laurel wreaths, architectural elements, festoons, medallions, rosettes, drops, cartouches, damask designs, and classic acanthus, egg and dart, and anthemion variations. The professional will delight in using document colorways to great affect. Subtle elegance of tone on tone designs produced from the 1880's to the turn of the century by Wm. Morris' original wood blocks are there for the masterly to emulate. These stencil designs are not for the faint of heart. They are small and do not have instructions. Many suites of companion designs offering wall, ceiling, and frieze groupings abound, but only for the practiced eye to locate. There are no arrows pointing the way. This book may be utilized to it's best advantage by professional artists, designers, and experienced stencilers who possess both a projector and a knowledge of document design. However, one needn't be a Renzo Mongiardino to produce a satisfying result. I was slow to warm to the book due to what I feel are a good many "dated" and clumsy designs that no wizard could dazzle. If only 25% of 2286 designs are of use to me, I'm content. I now own two copies. One for the projector, and one for the resource library. The cover art typifies the best of the book's content. It is not a fluke or teaser cover. Those finding this style of motif to their liking, will also enjoy the book's content.

Rating:
Summary: Cache of Design for Decorative Painters
Review: 2289 Traditional Stencil Designs is the reprinting of two catalogues (circa 1918 & 1920) from "Excelsior" Fresco Stencils. It is a rich resource of ornamental motifs providing an invaluable record of American decorative tastes during the first quarter of the 20th Century. Restoration and Renovation enthusiasts will find some of the anonymous English and American inspired designs representative of the Aesthetic Movement and Early Arts and Crafts Movement useful for their projects. Lyrical and expressive motifs abound, along with French inspired friezes, Neo Classical laurel wreaths, architectural elements, festoons, medallions, rosettes, drops, cartouches, damask designs, and classic acanthus, egg and dart, and anthemion variations. The professional will delight in using document colorways to great affect. Subtle elegance of tone on tone designs produced from the 1880's to the turn of the century by Wm. Morris' original wood blocks are there for the masterly to emulate. These stencil designs are not for the faint of heart. They are small and do not have instructions. Many suites of companion designs offering wall, ceiling, and frieze groupings abound, but only for the practiced eye to locate. There are no arrows pointing the way. This book may be utilized to it's best advantage by professional artists, designers, and experienced stencilers who possess both a projector and a knowledge of document design. However, one needn't be a Renzo Mongiardino to produce a satisfying result. I was slow to warm to the book due to what I feel are a good many "dated" and clumsy designs that no wizard could dazzle. If only 25% of 2286 designs are of use to me, I'm content. I now own two copies. One for the projector, and one for the resource library. The cover art typifies the best of the book's content. It is not a fluke or teaser cover. Those finding this style of motif to their liking, will also enjoy the book's content.

Rating:
Summary: Good Resorce book for Victorian stencil designs
Review: This book has many beautiful stencil designs and is a good resource book for the professional stenciler. The designs are all copy right free. The only complaint I have is that some of the designs are printed very small and it can be quite difficult to enlarge it to the right size. Also some of the designs can be a little difficult for a beginner to cut themselves.This book is more suited for a professional or someone very experience in cutting their own stencils.