A return to simple, better quality products was the focus in the early 1900s.
The arts and crafts movement of the early 1900s called for a more simple style, pulling away from the cluttered excess of the Victorian look that was popular in the latter half of the 19th century in many American homes. The Industrial Revolution had mass produced many items that were once handmade, making them more available to the American public. The arts and crafts period was a time of returning to creativity and hand crafted items. Mass production was being rejected in favor of good craftsmanship and a return to simplicity. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Look for a simple style of good quality workmanship. The arts and craft style had little ornamentation. Stained glass, painted tiles and metals were materials used for added embellishment on hand crafted items of this period. Both clocks and furniture were made from rich woods and built to last in a style that was basic and functional. Heavy dark carved wood used in the Victorian style period was replaced with lighter and more neutral looking wood. Burnished gold colors of brass and copper were used as accents.
2. Research Mission clocks. There are usually several for sale online with pictures. The Mission style clocks were the clocks of the arts and crafts period that became popular in the early 1900s. The Mission clock, like the furniture of this period, was simple and basic in design. The wood used was mostly oak, and the lines of the cases were straight rectangles and squares. The numerals were Arabic and the pendulums simple. They were produced as mantle clocks, wall clocks and longcase clocks.
3. Visit antique stores and search for simple style clocks. Many of the great clock companies of this time were in the Connecticut area; you can find Mission style clocks in New Hampshire antique stores. One of the great clock making companies of the time based in Connecticut was the Session Clock Company. The name "E. N. Welsh" and "Sessions Clock Company" will be on the label of these clocks made after 1903. Other great clock makers in the early 1900s were Seth Thomas, Ansonia, Ingram and Waterbury, all of which made clocks in the Connecticut area.
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