A Cultural History of Color in the Age of Industry

A Cultural History of Color in the Age of Industry explores the period 1800 to 1920, when color was embraced like never before, with inventions, technologies, and increased availability of pigments and colored products. It examines how color shapes individuals' experiences and society's interpretation of spaces, objects, and moments, covering color philosophy and science, technology and trade, power and identity, religion and ritual, body and clothing, language and psychology, literature and the performing arts, art, architecture and interiors, and artifacts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 02 May 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

A Cultural History of Color in the Age of Industry, spanning the period from 1800 to 1920, witnessed a remarkable surge in the use and appreciation of color. This era saw the introduction of numerous inventions and technological advancements that revolutionized the world's perception of color. Steam power, lithography, photography, electricity, motor cars, aviation, and cheaper color printing were just a few of the innovations that contributed to a newfound exuberance about color. Additionally, the availability of pigments and colored products increased significantly, thanks to new technologies, industrial manufacturing, commercialization, and urbanization. This abundance of color-related materials was not limited to the artistic realm but also extended to the mass market, with illustrated printed literature playing a crucial role in disseminating color imagery. Color became an expressive tool for artists, designers, and writers, used to convey emotions, evoke moods, and create visual narratives. It shaped individuals' experiences of the world and played a significant role in how society assigned meaning to specific spaces, objects, and moments. The Cultural History of Color, a comprehensive six-volume set, delves into the creation, trade, use, and interpretation of color over the past 5000 years. Each volume explores a different aspect of color, including color philosophy and science, color technology and trade, power and identity, religion and ritual, body and clothing, language and psychology, literature and the performing arts, art, architecture and interiors, and artifacts. Alexandra Loske, Curator at the Royal Pavilion and Museums in Brighton, UK, contributes to Volume 5 of the Cultural History of Color set. The book is edited by Carole P. Biggam and Kirsten Wolf, who have brought together a team of experts to provide a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the history of color.

Weight: 592g
Dimension: 167 x 245 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350460201