"This book explores styles of British decorative art from the time of Henry VIII to the death of Queen Victoria. Nearly twenty styles are featured, ranging from the introduction of European Renaissance ornament at the Tudor courts through the splendour of the Baroque, the elegance of Neoclassicism and the romance of the Medieval Revival, to the innovative and striking work of the Arts and Crafts Movement in the late nineteenth century.". "A combination of detailed photographs and lucid explanatory text conveys the key visual characteristics of each style. Significant designers, patrons and arbiters of taste are introduced, along with the major buildings and interiors for which they were responsible."--BOOK JACKET.