Patterns: New Surface Design

The author’s second book on patterns was intended to be a sister volume to ‘1000 Patterns’, and contributes to the subject infrastructure of the history of contemporary pattern design. Unlike the earlier volume, ‘Patterns’ is a book about contemporary pattern design since 2000, and focuses entirely on surface pattern.

Cole conceived of the project, researched a very wide range of contemporary pattern designers whose works are achieved through drawing, painting, collage, embroidery, appliqué, hand dyeing, hand weaving, screen printing, etching and digital manipulation. A final selection of 400 patterns was selected from a shortlist of 1500.

Cole also invited all of the selected designers to describe their work and she edited these descriptions into captions. She also devised the sequencing of patterns within the book. Specific techniques and processes for example ombré or shadow patterns (pages 62-63) and pattern genres such as toiles (pages 50-51) are identified.

The designs ranged across fashion and fashion textiles, graphics, stationery, interior design including furnishing fabrics, wall treatments and ceramics, lighting and glass. Featured designers and design companies/groups include Andrew Hardimann for Kuboaa: Bathsheba Grossman for Materialise.MGX; Delaware; The Church of London; Aj Dimarucot for Collision-Theory; Timorous Beasties; Michèle Peary and Rachel Cave. Designs were drawn from various geographic locations including the USA, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, India and various part of Europe.