Redundancy and Plenitude
Abstract
What is pattern and ornament? Is the decorative superficial, a crime even? A riposte to the idea that form and material are the base and pattern the afterthought, the additional. Pattern is a basic force of life. Through a discussion of A. N. Whitehead and process philosophy, the chapter challenges ‘substance metaphysics’ and via a prolonged study of William Morris’ work on pattern and the craft venture to which he (and Jane and May Morris) belonged, suggests that where work fails to generate redundancy and plenitude, the progress will only ever be a disappointment.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Whitehead's Philosophy and Applications
Crafts
Textile
and Design
Ethics
Aesthetics
and Art
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Cambridge University Press eBooks
- Pages
- 278–316
- Publication date
- 27 February 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter