Owen Jones (1809-74) was a versatile architect and designer and one of the most influential design theorists of the 19th century. Through his work at the 1851 Great Exhibition he was also a key figure in the foundation of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Two hundred years after his birth Jones's theories on flat patterning and ornament continue to resonate. His bold theories on the use of colour geometry and abstraction formed the basis for Jones's seminal publication 'The Grammar of Ornament' a design sourcebook that is still in print today. First published in 1856 this ground breaking design manual gathered together the finest examples of ornament from a wide variety of cultures and historical period. He illustrated his design propositions by drawing on a diverse range of source material including metalwork textiles ceramics manuscripts and woodwork.  Jones wished to liberate these examples of ornament from their original context and felt strongly that designers should not simply copy designs but instead try to understand the underlying principles held within them.