Arts and Crafts Movement (1860-1910)

Garden Lily, 1870, William Morris

Born of ideals and the Reaction against the Victorian Period the Arts and Crafts movement began in the 1860. The Arts and Crafts movement was intended to "renew design by looking at an idealized preindustrial world". The movement began in England and was founded by William Morris. The Arts and Crafts movement can be characterized by its use of simple, hand crafted, heavy oak wood finishes.

Throughout the space heavy oak wood finishes are being used. 

The main figure of the Arts and Crafts movement William Morris, was not only a designer but also a writer, reformer, poet, and businessman. Morris formed his own company with Marshall and Faulkner. Their company specialized in stain glass, furniture, and textiles. Although Morris was a very talented designer, an influential piece of furniture the "Morris Chair" was designed by Philip Webb, an employee for Morris and Company. The Morris Chair had a simple construction and used solid wood, and loose cushions.

Philip Webb the designer of the Morris Chair, was an architect and was very concerned with how things were manufactured. Webb eventually formed his own practice and his first project was the Morris's house, Red House in Kent. This house represented the Arts and Crafts movement with its design of "simple, with straightforward emphasis on visible hardware". 

Throughout time a second generation of The Arts and Crafts movement formed. Designers such as Voysey, Lutyens, Mackintosh and Stickley inspired many other elements of the Arts and Crafts movement. Charles Francis Annesley Voysey combined Gothic and Japanese details within the movement. We also see Charles Rennie Mackintosh work throughout the movement and later in time. Gustav Stickley inspired the Arts and Crafts movement in the United States.

Current Applications 

The Arts and Crafts movement design styles and principles are still seen today.

The use of heavy wood throughout a space is seen today. 

 A modern take on Mackintosh High Back chair.

Not only do we still high back chairs throughout spaces but High Back couches are also seen in todays interiors. 

Peer Discussion.

I read over Megan Y blog and I enjoyed her pictures of current applications because throughout the photos you see the Arts and Crafts Movement with the use of heavy wood and a nature like aspect within the spaces. I also really enjoyed the clip she posted because the clip gave a short yet very entertaining depiction of the Arts and Crafts Movement. This clip related well to the topic and gave entertaining images throughout the video.

Addition links!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYjNO2Y4m6c

This video gives a great overview of The Arts and Crafts Movement.