Celtic design is the decorative style associated with the art of the Celtic peoples of Iron Age Europe and, later, early medieval Ireland and Britain. It is characterised by flowing curves, spirals, trumpet shapes, interlaced knotwork, key patterns and stylised animals and birds whose bodies twist into intricate patterns.
The early medieval phase produced masterpieces such as the illuminated Book of Kells and the Lindisfarne Gospels, metalwork like the Tara Brooch and the Ardagh Chalice, and the carved stone high crosses of Ireland and Scotland. Interest revived strongly in the nineteenth century, driven by antiquarian study and national pride, and Irish and Scottish jewellers made replicas of ancient brooches as souvenirs and fashionable jewellery. Around 1900 the Celtic Revival became a major strand of British Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau design, most famously in the Cymric silver and Tudric pewter sold by Liberty, many pieces designed by the Manx-born Archibald Knox, and in Scottish work associated with Glasgow and Iona. Collectors value well-designed and well-made pieces with good marks. Celtic motifs continue to appear on memorials, textiles, jewellery and metalwork today.
