Thomas Johnson (designer)

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For other persons named Thomas Johnson, see Thomas Johnson (disambiguation).
Etching, 1758, Thomas Johnson V&A Museum no. E.3780-1903
Etching, 1758, Thomas Johnson V&A Museum no. E.3780-1903

Thomas Johnson (1714-1778) was an English wood carver and furniture maker.

[edit] Work

He worked in London and is particularly known for bold or extreme use and mixture of rococo, Chinese, and rustic motifs. He was said to be one of the most successful exponents of the rococo style, giving it a vitality not seen in the work of other designers. Among other works, he adapted scenes from Francis Barlow's illustrations of Aesop's Fables.

[edit] Books

In the 1750s he published several books of designs which were widely used for things like ceiling moulding. These books include Twelve Girandoles in 1755, The Book of the Carver in 1758 and monthly between 1755 and 1758, One hundred and fifty New Designs. He also had a great influence on Ince and Mayhew's book, The Universal System of Household Furniture.

He participated in the Antigallican Association, an informal group opposed to French fashion and influence.