Editorial Reviews:
Book Description
Masterfully executed designs in reproductions of two rare catalogs: ornamental borders, corners and frames with intricate floral and foliated patterns, architectural ornaments and design elements, religious symbols and figures, animals, mosaics, landscapes, much more. Invaluable to artists and craftspeople working with textiles, wallpaper and other decorative items.
Customer Reviews:
Review #1: Historical and not useful
2006-07-03 
If you are a craftperson, do not buy this book, though pictoral, it is more historical and you need a magnifying glass to see some of the stencils.
Review #2: Great Resource for Designers
2006-06-02 
This book is chock full of great Victorian design. It has cartouches (ornamental borders), patterns, single filligree elements, and the best part is that they are all royalty free. You will need to scan the elements and clean them up a bit, but this book is a fantastic resource for the "flourish" trend that is going on in graphic design right now.
Highly recommended.
Review #3: Useful for engraving
2005-05-07 
I use these stencils as layouts for gun engraving. While many designs are too small and lack enough detail to be able to reproduce (about 30%) most are of good quality and detail. It's a great value for the price and I strongly recommend it as an indispensible aid for all engravers, wood carvers, and stencil makers.
Review #4: Circa 1918 & 1920 Stencil Design Resource
2005-01-12
2289 Traditional Stencil Designs is the reprinting of two catalogues (circa 1918 & 1920) from "Excelsior" Fresco Stencils. It is a rich resource of ornamental motifs providing an invaluable record of American decorative tastes during the first quarter of the 20th Century.
Restoration and Renovation enthusiasts will find some of the anonymous English and American inspired designs representative of the Aesthetic Movement and Early Arts and Crafts Movement useful for their projects. Lyrical and expressive motifs abound, along with French inspired friezes, Neo Classical laurel wreaths, architectural elements, festoons, medallions, rosettes, drops, cartouches, damask designs, and classic acanthus, egg and dart, and anthemion variations. The professional will delight in using document colorways to great affect. Subtle elegance of tone on tone designs produced from the 1880's to the turn of the century by Wm. Morris' original wood blocks are there for the masterly to emulate.
These stencil designs are not for the faint of heart. They are small and do not have instructions. Many suites of companion designs offering wall, ceiling, and frieze groupings abound, but only for the practiced eye to locate. There are no arrows pointing the way. This book may be utilized to it's best advantage by professional artists, designers, and experienced stencilers who possess both a projector and a knowledge of document design. However, one needn't be a Renzo Mongiardino to produce a satisfying result. I was slow to warm to the book due to what I feel are a good many "dated" and clumsy designs that no wizard could dazzle. If only 25% of 2286 designs are of use to me, I'm content. I now own two copies. One for the projector, and one for the resource library. The cover art typifies the best of the book's content. It is not a fluke or teaser cover. Those finding this style of motif to their liking, will also enjoy the book's content.
Review #5: Cache of Design for Decorative Painters
2000-09-05
2289 Traditional Stencil Designs is the reprinting of two catalogues (circa 1918 & 1920) from "Excelsior" Fresco Stencils. It is a rich resource of ornamental motifs providing an invaluable record of American decorative tastes during the first quarter of the 20th Century. Restoration and Renovation enthusiasts will find some of the anonymous English and American inspired designs representative of the Aesthetic Movement and Early Arts and Crafts Movement useful for their projects. Lyrical and expressive motifs abound, along with French inspired friezes, Neo Classical laurel wreaths, architectural elements, festoons, medallions, rosettes, drops, cartouches, damask designs, and classic acanthus, egg and dart, and anthemion variations. The professional will delight in using document colorways to great affect. Subtle elegance of tone on tone designs produced from the 1880's to the turn of the century by Wm. Morris' original wood blocks are there for the masterly to emulate. These stencil designs are not for the faint of heart. They are small and do not have instructions. Many suites of companion designs offering wall, ceiling, and frieze groupings abound, but only for the practiced eye to locate. There are no arrows pointing the way. This book may be utilized to it's best advantage by professional artists, designers, and experienced stencilers who possess both a projector and a knowledge of document design. However, one needn't be a Renzo Mongiardino to produce a satisfying result. I was slow to warm to the book due to what I feel are a good many "dated" and clumsy designs that no wizard could dazzle. If only 25% of 2286 designs are of use to me, I'm content. I now own two copies. One for the projector, and one for the resource library. The cover art typifies the best of the book's content. It is not a fluke or teaser cover. Those finding this style of motif to their liking, will also enjoy the book's content. |
