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Defense Date
2006
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Art History
First Advisor
Dr. Charles Brownell
Abstract
Electricity has a long and continuing history. This paper explains the impact that electrical light had on interior design. The focus of this explanation is those interiors closest to the advent of electricity and one turn-of-the-century designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868-1928). Beginning by comparing electrical light with its closest rival gaslight, this paper continues with a look at three factors in electrical history that affect its appearance in interiors. The focus narrows to the fashions appearing for the new illuminant. Finally, to understand how architects and designers applied electricity at the turn of the century, one must examine their work individually. Mackintosh is the subject of the case study embarked on in the last chapter, which examines how his lighting designs contribute to or detract from the designer's place on the cusp of Modernism.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
June 2008
VCU Only:
Off Campus Download
Comments
Part of Retrospective ETD Collection, restricted to VCU only.