This work explores key styles from the time of Henry VIII to the death of Queen Victoria. Lucid explanatory text accompanies photographs showing enlarged details highlighting the salient features of each style. Nearly 20 styles are featured, ranging from the introduction of European Renaissance ornament at the Tudor courts through the splendour of the Baroque, the elegance of Neo-classicism and the romance of the Medieval revival, to the innovative and striking work of the Arts and Crafts Movement. Significant designers, patrons and arbiters of taste are included, along with the major building and interiors for which they were responsible. The majority of works illustrated come from the V&A's collections of British art and design. Styles featured include: Renaissance; Jacobean; Restoration; Baroque; Palladianism; Rococo; Chinoiserie; Neoclassicism; Medieval Revival; Regency; Classicism; Chinese and Indian Styles; Gothic Revivial; French Style; Classical and Renaissance Revival; Influences from beyond Europe; Influence of Japan; Aestheticism; Arts and Crafts; and the Scottish School.