Authors

Emily Adams

Files

Download

Download Full Text (3.1 MB)

Year Completed

2020

Abstract

The Emblems of Colonialism project is a part of the broader Pattern Research Projects created by design history and design studio faculty members, Emily Smith and Dr. Sara Reed. Students in VCU Interior Design were asked to examine a pattern or motif used on a decorative object or surface during the colonial era in the Americas. During the 15th through 18th centuries, a period of colonialism forced new relationships between European countries and places in what is now known as North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. This project explores how colonial era patterns reveal power structures, othering, and the migration of design ideas.

Emily Adams, VCU Interior Design MFA 2022, selected the Lift-Top Chest piece for the 2020 Emblems of Colonialism Pattern Research Project. The text below is excerpted from the student's work.

"Colonial chests originate from early 17th century chests from England. Chests were the most popular and most important type of furniture in the household. Chests often only item brought settlers to the new world. Many settlers would try to recreate home life as if they were in England. Immigrant craftsman implement similar use of patter, style and motifs from homeland."

Color

brown

Craft

carpentry, other

Tools

Chisel

Material

White Oak, Red Oak

Function/Use

other

Pattern's Place of Origin

Ipswich, Massachusetts

Pattern Design Era

English

Culture

American

Design

Stylized Foliage

Disciplines

Interior Design

Department

VCUarts, Dept. of Interior Design

Date of Submission

3-16-2021

Rights

© The Author

Pattern Research Project: Emblems of Colonialism - Lift-Top Chest

Share

COinS