Arts and Crafts Movement

Overview:The Art and Crafts Movement was a reaction against society in the late 1800's. The members of the movement wanted to regain well made hand crafted goods in replacement of mass produced, machine made goods. In order to do this they enforced the medieval system of trade and unions in order to establish their own companies to sell their goods. Regrettably these methods had the reverse effect and apart from the wealthy no one could afford their products and designs. Methods were not the only aspect from the past they put into practice, Medieval Art was a huge influence on the members. 

Style and Characteristics:The members of the movement were heavily influenced by Gothic Medieval styles, literature and the Orient. These medieval and Japanese art styles were combined to create ornamental and intricate patterns with elements of the natural world, through the use of symbols such as: hearts, rabbits, birds and forests. All the work was hand crafted with natural materials creating simple forms. Common materials were copper and pewter.    

3 Key Pieces: 

Wall cabinet, Elena Polenova, Russia, 1880-1890.

William Morris. Bird woven textile design, 1878.

1894, John William Waterhouse

3 Key People:
William Morris: set up own company with fellow artists called: Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co in 1861, Which later became just: Morris & Co. The company produced everything from furniture and textiles to wallpaper and jewellery.

Richard Norman Shaw: Scottish Architect whom was known for his country houses and commercial buildings. His work was characterised by open planning with staircases running up the side of the entrance hall, which became familiar in mass produced housing.  

William de Morgan:
He was a life long friend of William Morris and specialised in pottery and tile designing. He designed tiles, stained glass and furniture for Morris & Co. He experimented with innovative glazes and firing techniques. 

World at the Time:During this movement people were moving from the countryside into the major cities in order to work, due to the fact there was an industrial revolution  Mass production of goods was also in practice with new printing process being created. Key dates were:

1861 Great Expectations is written by Charles Dickens, 1863 first underground railway opens in London, 1867 Karl Marx writes Capital: A Critique of Political Economy, 1874 major Impressionist art exhibition with works by Monet, Degas, Renoir, 1885 Thomas Edison invents the light bulb.