This visual anthotogy of over 300 designs and patterns is drawn from the rich heritage of Greek art. These carefully selected drawings encompass a wide variety of sources such as vase paintings, friezes, emblems on coins and other exquisitely designed ornaments. The range of subject matter incorporated into patterns by the Greeks includes fish, fowl, mammals, monsters, plant tile and the human figure in a wealth of geometric and organic designs. A short introduction discusses the techniques, materials and insight with which the Greeks created such lively patterns.

This visual anthotogy of over 300 designs and patterns is drawn from the rich heritage of Greek art. These carefully selected drawings encompass a wide variety of sources such as vase paintings, friezes, emblems on coins and other exquisitely designed ornaments. The range of subject matter incorporated into patterns by the Greeks includes fish, fowl, mammals, monsters, plant tile and the human figure in a wealth of geometric and organic designs. A short introduction discusses the techniques, materials and insight with which the Greeks created such lively patterns.

Designers, craftsmen, teachers and students alike will find these designs surprising, delightful and a source of inspiration.

The illustrator Sue Bird began work as a draughtsman on archaeological digs at sites in Greece, Iran, Italy, Cyprus and Belize. She then became an illustrator in the Department of Greek and Roman Antiquities at the British Museum - a post she occupied for twenty years - and now works as a freelance illustrator, ceramicist and painter.

Dr Susan Woodford teaches Greek and Roman art at the University of London and carries out research for the Department of Greek and Roman Antiquities at the British Museum.

Maps

Introduction

Notes on the Designs

THE DESIGNS

Further Reading