This academically rigorous work uses innovative
quantitative and qualitative research methods to
examine change happening over time to art and
designed objects.
Using Darwinian Evolutionary theories,
including Natural Selection and Sexual Selection, and
Socio-economic Cyclical theories, including those of
Kondratiev, this work looks at possible causes of
change, bringing together seemingly unrelated
theories to form a powerful synthesis.
Using images of table lamps and clocks from
Littlewood's Mail Order Catalogue 1932-80 to track
design change over time, comparisons are made with a
broad range of socio-historical events, scientific
discoveries, and manufacturing innovations happening
throughout the same period, showing synchronicity
between events and change, and offering explanations
for why this might be.
Discussing complex ideas and information in straight
forward style, the presentation of Cyclical and
Darwinian Evolutionary theories is augmented by an
insightful overview of the theories of Lamarck,
Spencer and Dawkins, which will interest Biologists
as well as Art Historians and all those wanting
answers to the profoundly simple question of why
things look the way they do.