Henry Van de Velde

"Henry van de Velde (1863-1957) is a pivotal figure in design history: a bridge between nineteenth-century eclecticism and the emergence of a modern style. His range was prodigious: from furniture, domestic and shop interiors to ceramics, textiles, dresses, jewelery, silverware and books. He was also the architect of large private houses, theatres, museums and art galleries." --back cover of book