The Arts and Crafts Movement began in the late 1800s as a reaction to the increasingly poor quality of manufactured goods that resulted from low-wage factory production. Championed by architects and artists John Ruskin and William Morris, this movement valued individual craftsmanship and solid materials. Does this Spark an idea?
Pre-Arts and Crafts
Before the movement began, industrial production of cheap, consumer furniture was on the rise. According to Morris, low prices and fast production had denigrated the status of the craftsman and undermined the value of quality goods.
Principles
It was the movement's founders who hoped for quality furniture at affordable prices. Division of labor was discouraged; all-in-one production would re-instill the industry with skilled workers, rather than encourage the poor working conditions of the assembly line.
Furniture Characteristics
Furniture in the Arts and Crafts tradition is generally of heavy local wood, leather and wrought iron. In terms of form, pieces are often rectilinear, and the colors are usually earth tones.
Influences
According to Charlotte Jirousek of Cornell University, the rectilinear designs and patterns of Arts and Crafts furniture are heavily influenced by Islamic and Medieval design.
American Arts and Crafts
America created its own branch of the Arts and Crafts Movement, often called the Mission style. This incorporated many of the European Arts and Crafts concepts, while blending its aesthetics with Southwestern and Hispanic designs.
Tags: Arts Crafts, Arts Crafts Movement, Crafts Movement