Dresser was born in Glasgow, Scotland. Though trained as a botanist, by 1857 he was writing a series of articles in Art Journal under the title "Botany as Adapted to the Arts and Art Manufactures." He later published The Art of Decorative Design (1862), The Development of Ornamental Art (1862), and Principles of Design (1871-72). His design work included carpets, silver ( especially very interesting claret jug shapes) and electroplate, wallpaper, pottery and glass, and metalwork. From 1879, he was appointed director of the Linthorpe Art Pottery in Linthorpe in Middlesbrough (although his name disappeared from the ware by 1882) and was one of the first to import Japanese goods into Britain. Dresser took inspiration both from Japanese motifs and materials and his work showing this influence is considered archetypical of the Anglo-Japanese style.
Snodin, Michael and John Styles. Design & The Decorative Arts, Britain 1500–1900. V&A Publications: 2001. ISBN 1-85177-338-X.
Whiteway, Michael: Christopher Dresser. A Design Revolution. V & A Publications, Cooper-Hewitt Nationa Design Museum, Smithonian Institution, London 2004. ISBN 1-85177-427-0.
