Arts and Crafts Flashcards
When was the arts and crafts movement?
1850-1900
Why did the arts and crafts movement take place?
The arts and crafts movement grew out of concerns after industrialisation. Mass production was overlooked, especially concerning furniture.
This led to poor quality furniture being produced which was inappropriate for ordinary people who made up the majority of the population which required simple, affordable products.
Who were the two founding figures of the arts and crafts movement?
John Ruskin (theorist and critic) and William Morris (designer, writer and activist).
Who was John Ruskin?
John Ruskin examined the link between art, society and labour plus believed craftsmen should be free to express their creative individualism.
Who was William Morris?
William Morris who was a poet, writer, designer, innovator and socialist was influenced and inspired by this whilst studying at university.
What did Morris and Ruskin do?
They formed their own company together putting these theories into practice by placing value on craftsmanship, simplicity and ideas inspired by nature. Ruskin and Morris helped to bring together architects, artists, designers and builders. The group specialised in producing stained glass, carvings, furniture, wallpaper, carpets and tapestries.
Arts and Crafts movement features
The arts and crafts movement used colour and texture especially linking it with nature and natural forms such as plants, birds and animals.
They preferred natural materials and textures that were available locally such as stone, wood, wool and linen. It looked at simplicity, leaving the roughness and marks from the tools on the material.
The furniture didn’t need to be unnecessarily complicated as it would be unaffordable for the majority of the population.
The aim was to remove clutter providing a clean practical living space which made sense.
