Historic Ornament Applied to Period Hardware Design Door Plates
It is impossible to close these chapters without reference to the influence of the great schools of architectural history upon contemporary design. There is a growing tendency for manufacturers to use period patterns in house decorations which correspond to the design of the building. A Colonial building frequently calls for Colonial hardware, a Gothic church for corresponding surface enrichment of that period.
As introductory illustrations, [Figure 423] stands as a simple example of accented (beveled) contour while [Figure 424] has been accented with reminiscent moulding appropriate to Colonial architecture. They might, however, be used with many simply designed articles of furniture. From this slight indication or portion of a style, we have a more pronounced beginning in [Figure 425] with its clearly marked Greek egg and dart ornamental border. The acanthus leaf of the Byzantine school, [Figure 426], changes to the geometric arabesques of the Moorish school in [Figure 427]. The Gothic arch, cusps, and quatrefoil of [Figure 428] are changed to the classic acanthus foliage of the French Renaissance period. [Figure 429]. Figures [430] and [431] are later developments of the Renaissance. The heavily enriched Flemish pattern completes our illustrations of the use of past forms of ornamentation applied to modern designs. Only a small number from a rapidly enlarging field of period design are shown.
Shallow Circular Forms, Plate 61
With circular plates and trays, the enrichment normally takes the form of a border (marginal enrichment), with the inceptive axes or center lines of the repeated units radiating from the center of the circle. [Figures 433], [435], [436], [437], [438], and [439]. An elliptical form frequently calls for handles and terminal enrichment as shown by [Figure 434].
Both [Figures 437] and [438] have divided points of concentration and would be materially improved by the omission of the center unit A. The small tree used as a connecting link in the border of [Figure 437] should be reversed, as it now possesses a motion or growth contrary to the larger tree units. The contour enrichment in [Figure 438] could well be omitted or moved around to support the surface enrichment. The pierced enrichment A, [Figure 439], is incorrectly used as it is not designed to be seen from above, the normal viewpoint of the tray. The design should have been based upon the horizontal axis of the project similar to [Figure 439] at B.
Low Cylindrical Forms, Plate 62
Differing from the shallow plate, with the increased height of the low cylindrical forms of [Plate 62], there now develops the possibility of enriching the sides of this class of project: a zone of enrichment not readily accessible in the shallow plate form. In addition to the sides there remain the appendages, quite capable of carrying enrichment to advantage. One should control the zone of enrichment in such a manner that the attention will not be equally drawn to both appendage and primary mass. Two points of enrichment, both calling for equal attention, divide the interest in the problem, and cause a lack of unity or oneness.
Rule 11d. The eye should be attracted to one principal zone of enrichment, whether located upon the primary mass, appendage, terminals, links, or details. All other zones should be subordinate to this area.