Penwork: A Decorative Phenomenon is a result of Noel Riley’s interest in penwork over many years while working in the antique business and then researching for her MA dissertation. Noel has written and lectured extensively on the decorative arts and presents this richly illustrated large-format book which surveys for the first time all aspects of penwork: its social context, techniques, and sources of inspiration.

Penwork is a nineteenth-century decorative phenomenon, in which many of the technical, aesthetic, and social contexts of the day are reflected in its intricate designs. Many penwork designs seek to simulate the glamour and richness of ivory-inlaid furniture, while others mimic the hardstone mosaic substitute, scagliola.