An introduction to the Arts and Crafts Movement

In the late 19th century, the Arts and Crafts movement emerged in Britain as a response to the industrial revolution and its mass-produced, machine-made products. The movement sought to revive traditional craftsmanship and promote the beauty of handmade objects. It was a reaction against the dehumanising effects of industrialisation and the standardisation of design. In this blog, we will explore the history of the Arts and Crafts movement, its most famous practitioners and influencers and the disciplines it covers.

History of the Arts and Crafts Movement

The Arts and Crafts movement originated in Britain in the 1880s and quickly spread to other countries, including the United States, Canada and Australia. The movement was influenced by the ideas of John Ruskin and William Morris, who believed that art should be accessible to everyone and that beauty could be found in everyday objects. Ruskin was an art critic and social thinker who argued that the industrial revolution had destroyed traditional craftsmanship and beauty. He believed that artists and craftsmen had a moral obligation to create objects that were both beautiful and useful. Morris, a designer and writer, shared Ruskin's views and founded Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. (later known as Morris & Co.) to produce high-quality, handmade goods. Morris & Co. became one of the most successful Arts and Crafts firms, producing everything from furniture and textiles to wallpaper and stained glass. The Arts and Crafts movement had a significant impact on design and architecture. It inspired a new generation of designers and craftsmen to create handmade objects using traditional techniques and materials. The movement also influenced the development of the Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles in the early 20th century.

Famous Practitioners and Influencers

William Morris is perhaps the most famous practitioner and influencer of the Arts and Crafts movement. He was a prolific designer who created everything from furniture and textiles to wallpaper and stained glass. Morris believed that good design should be affordable and accessible to everyone and he worked tirelessly to make his designs available to a wide audience. Other famous practitioners of the Arts and Crafts movement include C.R. Ashbee, who founded the Guild of Handicraft in 1888 and Charles Rennie Mackintosh, who was a Scottish architect and designer. Mackintosh is best known for his Glasgow School of Art building, which he designed in the Arts and Crafts style. The disciplines covered by the Arts and Crafts movement include furniture, textiles, ceramics, metalwork and stained glass. Each discipline has its own set of techniques and materials but they all share a commitment to traditional craftsmanship and design.

Examples of Arts and Crafts Disciplines

Furniture: The Arts and Crafts style is characterised by simple, clean lines and natural materials such as oak, ash and mahogany. Some of the best examples of Arts and Crafts furniture include Morris & Co.'s Sussex chair, which features a hand-carved frame and rush seat and Mackintosh's Hill House chair, which is made from stained oak and features a distinctive ladder-back design.

Textiles: The Arts and Crafts movement inspired a revival of traditional textile techniques such as weaving, embroidery and printing. Some of the best examples of Arts and Crafts textiles include Morris & Co.'s Willow Boughs fabric, which features a repeating pattern of willow branches and Ashbee's Guild of Handicraft tapestries, which were hand-woven using traditional techniques.

Ceramics: Arts and Crafts ceramics are characterised by their simplicity and natural shapes. Some of the best examples of Arts and Crafts ceramics include the pottery of William De Morgan, who produced hand-painted tiles and vases and the work of Bernard Leach, who founded the Leach Pottery in St. Ives, Cornwall.

Metalwork: Arts and Crafts metalwork is characterised by its use of hammered and chased surfaces, as well as naturalistic motifs. Some of the best examples of Arts and Crafts metalwork include the jewellery of C.R. Ashbee's Guild of Handicraft, which features simple, organic shapes and semi-precious stones and the hammered copper and silverware of the American designer Dirk van Erp.

Stained Glass: Arts and Crafts stained glass is characterised by its use of bold, bright colours and simple, geometric patterns. Some of the best examples of Arts and Crafts stained glass include the windows of Charles Rennie Mackintosh's Glasgow School of Art building, which feature abstract, geometric designs and the work of the English designer Christopher Whall, who used traditional techniques to create intricate, colourful designs.

Relevance to 21st Century Design

The Arts and Crafts movement continues to be relevant to 21st century design, particularly in the areas of sustainability and handcrafted design. The movement's focus on traditional craftsmanship and natural materials has inspired many contemporary designers to create handmade objects using traditional techniques. One of the most influential current designers in the Arts and Crafts tradition is the American furniture maker George Nakashima. Nakashima's furniture is characterised by its simplicity and use of natural materials such as walnut and cherry wood. He believed that every piece of furniture should be a work of art and his designs are still highly sought after today.

Another contemporary designer who has been influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement is the British designer, Tom Raffield. He founded his eponymous company in 2008, specialising in handcrafted wooden lighting and furniture. Raffield's designs are characterised by their organic shapes and use of sustainable materials, such as FSC-certified wood and eco-friendly finishes. His designs have been featured in prestigious design publications and he has received numerous awards for his work. Raffield's emphasis on craftsmanship and sustainability reflects the enduring relevance of the Arts and Crafts movement in the 21st century, as consumers increasingly seek out handmade, environmentally responsible products that reflect a connection to tradition and authenticity.

Conclusion

The Arts and Crafts movement was a response to the dehumanising effects of industrialisation and a commitment to reviving traditional craftsmanship and design. Its influence can still be seen today in the work of contemporary designers who share its commitment to sustainability and handmade design. The movement's emphasis on simplicity, natural materials and traditional techniques has inspired generations of designers and craftsmen to create objects that are both beautiful and useful and its legacy continues to inspire and influence designers today.