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Overview of the Arts and Crafts Movement
Sep 7, 2024
Lecture Notes: Arts and Crafts Movement
Introduction
Art often reacts to previous movements.
The Arts and Crafts Movement emerged as a response to poor design during the Industrial Revolution.
The Great Exhibition (1851)
Held in Crystal Palace, London.
Conceptualized by Prince Albert to celebrate industry and technology.
Did not address the negative impacts of industrialization.
Criticism of Industrialization
Advocates criticized mass production and machine reliance.
Belief that industry destroyed traditional craftsmanship and pride of workers.
Formation of craft guilds based on medieval traditions to uphold design standards and supportive environments.
Influences on Arts and Crafts Style
Gothic Revival influenced arts and crafts, appreciating medieval elements.
A.W.M. Pugin emphasized material, structure, and function.
William Morris
Central figure of the Arts and Crafts Movement.
Influenced by John Ruskin's writings.
Founded a company in 1861 producing home decor including furniture and textiles.
Established the Kelmscott Press in 1890, producing 53 books by 1898.
Aimed for harmony in type and illustration, inspired by medieval designs.
Advocated for art to enhance ordinary people's lives, highlighting the degradation caused by machines.
Characteristics of Arts and Crafts Design
Simplicity in form, function, and decoration.
American Arts and Crafts linked to Morris's work and influenced by British designers like Charles Robert Ashby.
Ashby known for jewelry and silverware design in the Guild of Handicraft.
F.A. Boise recognized for wallpaper and textile designs featuring stylized nature motifs.
Inspiration Sources
Everyday domestic traditions and vernacular styles from rural Britain.
Focus on craftsmanship and revival of traditional techniques.
Nature-inspired motifs from British countryside flora and fauna.
Challenges and Limitations
Arts and Crafts products became expensive and accessible only to the wealthy.
Guilds formed with names like Guild of St. George and Art Workers Guild.
Arthur McMurdo and the Century Guild
Influential architect promoting craft and design.
Published "Hobby Horse" to promote ideals of the movement.
American Arts and Crafts Movement
Gustav Stickley aimed to create affordable furniture for the middle class.
Used factory methods for mass production while maintaining craftsmanship.
The American style was rectilinear and simple, referred to as mission style, influenced by Southwest architecture.
Key Figures in American Arts and Crafts
Charles and Henry Greene combined Spanish and Native American architectural elements.
Elbert Hubbard inspired by Morris, established Roycroft Press in New York.
Roycroft developed a community of craftspeople.
Decline of the Arts and Crafts Movement
Opposition to modern production methods hindered progress.
The socialist ideal of affordable handcrafted designs for all failed due to high production costs.
The movement's focus on the past ultimately led to its downfall.
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