Arts and Crafts Movement

The Arts and Crafts movement began in Britain and flourished to Europe and North America between 1880 and 1910, it later emerged in Japan in the 1920's. 

The key forces that triggered the Arts and Crafts movements

• The Revival of Gothic Style 
• The rejection of industrialization
• The impact that mass production and machines had on craftsmen  

The movement was mostly upheld due to the poor quality in design during the industrial revolution, it was highly criticized by advocates of the arts and crafts movements. They believed that all the economical success and growth during the industrial revolution was destroying traditional skills as well as craftsman.This also effected the members of the movement as they were fine craftsman them selves, in other words this was effecting their own profession. Due to the impact that the industrial revolution was having on them and other craftsman they decided to encourage other artists, by including a medieval style in their work.

The arts and crafts movement also has its roots in the Gothic revival which became increasingly important throughout the nineteenth century, it later replaced classical styles in popularity. The key figure to this revival was A.W.N Pugin, whom emphasized on the truth to materials, structure and function. These characteristics will later be key principles for the arts and crafts movement.  
   

Gothic Revival Desk by August W.N Pugin

William Morris

A British textile designer, writer, artist and also a socialist associated with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and the English arts and crafts movement. William Morris was one of the key figures of the movement and is well known for his wall paper design. his work highly reflected the love he had for nature as leaves and flowers where his main subject. 

Wallpaper design 

He began designing wallpapers in the 1860's, which at that time they where hand printed by Jeffrey and Co using traditional; printing methods that included wood block and natural based pigments. 

Above is a room decorated in the arts and crafts style by William Morris, with furniture by Phillip Web. In this example it is quite evident how much he believed in natural motifs in design. He gives life to the room by adding complex natural patterns to his wallpaper, he also gives his wallpaper natural warm earth colours in order to create contrast with the rest of the furniture.

Above is the sideboard which is located in the room I stated previously. It is an early example of furniture produced by Morris, Marshall, Faulkner and company, and designed by Phillip Web back in 1862. We can clearly see the relation to the medieval style, he also used oak to give it a dark tone. On the other hand Morris and co implemented arts and crafts characteristics by adding ornamental organic patterns on its surface. Gold is also added to some edges, hinges and drawer knobs, this highlights more detail and make it blend better with the rest of the room.

In the image above I am showing how Morris's wallpaper designs still influence interior designers today. Its repetitive organic patterns can easily fill a room without being disturbing to the eye. And although his wallpapers are full of organic flowing shapes, modern sharped edged furniture can still be used together.      

References 

https://www.william-morris.co.uk/shop/wallpaper/

https://beatwicki.wordpress.com/2010/02/09/philip-webb/

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

http://www.britannica.com/art/Arts-and-Crafts-movement/images-videos