Exploring the Continuing Influence of Ancient Egypt on British Art and Design

The enduring appeal of ancient Egypt lies in its hieroglyphs, symbolic motifs and architectural grandeur. From the early encounters of Greek and Roman civilisations with Egyptian culture to modernist interpretations in the 20th century, Egyptian art has left an indelible mark on British artistic expression.

Symbolism

Ancient Egypt’s motifs, such as the Eye of Horus, Ankh, Scarab beetle and representations of gods and pharaohs, continue to inspire artists and designers worldwide. In online entertainment, especially in the iGaming industry, casino game providers draw upon these ancient myths to captivate audiences. A Platform like Paddy Power site offers online slot machines such as Book of the Dead, where players can join Rich Wilde on an expedition to uncover the secrets of ancient Egyptian tombs. 

The discoveries made by French archaeologists, such as the Rosetta Stone in 1799, sparked a European fascination with Egyptian antiquities. During the early 19th century, the interest grew even further following Napoleon Bonaparte’s military campaigns in the region. The British Museum, founded in 1753, became a focal point for displaying and studying Egyptian artefacts. The Rosetta Stone, for example, was acquired by the museum in 1802 and became a symbol of the decipherment of hieroglyphs.

British painters like John Frederick Lewis and David Roberts incorporated Egyptian motifs into their works, capturing the grandeur of ancient ruins and landscapes. In another painting, Seventh Plague of Egypt (1823), John Martin, influenced by Turner and the Romantic poets, used illustrations of Egyptian monuments to portray Biblical scenes showing Moses’ interactions with the pharaoh. 

Egyptomania in Victorian Britain

The Victorian era witnessed a resurgence of interest in Ancient Egypt, driven by archaeological discoveries and imperial expansion. Egyptomania permeated various aspects of British society, including art, architecture, fashion and interior design. Queen Victoria herself was captivated by these themes, especially those depicted in Less’ book, Sketches in Egypt and Nubia (1846-1849). The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 further heightened fascination with the region.

British architecture during the Victorian period often incorporated Egyptian motifs, such as obelisks, sphinxes and lotus motifs, in public buildings, private residences and cemeteries. The Crystal Palace, built for the Great Exhibition of 1851, featured Egyptian-style columns and decorations. 

In the 1920s, architects M.E. and O.H. Collins, in collaboration with Arthur George, designed the Carreras Factory in Camden. Its facade features intricate Egyptian-inspired motifs, including lotus leaves, pharaohs and hieroglyphics, reflecting the appeal of Egypt during the Art Deco period. Known for being one of the luxurious cinemas built in the 1920s, the Carlton Cinema also featured an Egyptian style at its entrance. 

Furniture and decorative arts embraced Egyptian-inspired designs, with motifs like the winged sun disc and lotus flowers adorning various household items. In fashion, women’s attire featuring draped fabrics, pleats and jewellery reminiscent of ancient Egyptian dress continues to soar in popularity. 

The influence of Ancient Egypt on British art is a testament to the enduring legacy of one of the world’s oldest civilisations. From the Renaissance to the present day, artists and architects have drawn inspiration from the mystique of ancient Egyptian civilisation, integrating its motifs and aesthetics into their creative expressions. As the legacy of ancient Egypt continues to live on, its influence on British art will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.