The Arts and Crafts Movement took place in England between 1870 and 1900 and was a reaction to the rigid, ornate and artificial designs of the Victorian era and machine production. Led by William Morris, and influenced by John Ruskin, the accent was on the pleasure of handicrafts, and many set up workshops in rural areas and revived old techniques.
Patterns were inspired by British flora and fauna and drew on the traditions of the British countryside. They also used the bold forms and strong colours based on medieval designs. The values of this new movement echoed in their work; Morris compared design criticism to social criticism, made things himself and insisted that the artist should become a craftsman-designer.
By the end of the nineteenth century, Arts and Crafts ideals had affected the design and manufacture of all the decorative arts in Britain.
• Inspirational • Timeless • Quality • Legacy •
