Arts & Crafts Movement 1888-1910 PDF

Arts & Crafts Movement 1888- 1910  Development of industrial methods caused mass production of furniture, metal work, and pottery. On the other hand, there was a counter movement of designers who called for originality, unity, and morality.  The movement is a reaction against...

Arts & Crafts Movement 1888- 1910  Development of industrial methods caused mass production of furniture, metal work, and pottery. On the other hand, there was a counter movement of designers who called for originality, unity, and morality.  The movement is a reaction against the de-humanizing effect of the late 19th century industrialization.  The movement began with: A. W. N. Pugin in England Violet- le- Duc in France PUGIN Was aware of damaging effect of mass production on aesthetics. Concerned with the present decay of taste.  He emphasized – honesty in design – Integrity in construction all details should have a meaning and serve a purpose.  His designs are best described as picturesque and decorative. Created a strong sense of unity and totality- matched furniture, ceiling, and carpet pattern  However, a good deal of Pugin’s design didn’t parallel what he promoted. Simple designs were made complex using exotic material and accessible to the rich.  William Morris - father of Arts and Crafts Movement - truth to material - simplicity in art and life - use must have presence over decoration.  Morris worked on pattern design in wall paper, fabrics, tapestries, and book decoration.  Decorations were derived from organic forms: fruits, vegetables, flowers, and birds.  William Morris established his firm in 1861, Morris, Marshall, and Faulkner.  His firm revolutionized the public taste in domestic art. Morris Chair  Morris chair- practical and well proportioned, but not particularly elegant.  Aim of Arts & Crafts Movement: – Return to simplified honest forms using simplified honest material – High standard of craftsmanship – Revive an artisan’s guild system – Individualization- right of the designer to experiment  Leading figures- A.H. Mackmurdo, C.F.A. Voysey. Reacted against the machine Emphasis on simplicity, utility, individual craftsmanship  Refused commercial standards Re-establish the status of the artist and craftsmanship as central in design.  The Century Guild established by Mackmurdo in 1882. It published The Hobby Horse Magazine between 1884-1891.  Its aim was to “…..restore building decoration, glass painting, pottery, wood carving, and metal to their rightful place besides painting and sculpture…”  Mackmurdo – His designs were very daring in terms of combining materials – Unification of styles  Furniture designed in satinwood decorated with carved ornament and painted panels. Chair with fretwork back, freedom, looseness, look forward to the swirls of Art Nouveau.  C.F.A. Voysey - created unified interiors - Perrycroft, Malvin Hills 1893-94 no decoration idea of comfort simplicity Result of Arts & Crafts Movement Turned their back on the machine Over romantic attitude to design economically not a practical solution  Bridged the gap between the machine and craft Better Standards Good art and design can reform society