Design movements

Question 1

Arts and Crafts

Answer 1

Founded by William Norris. Designs were based on patterned found in nature. Furniture was upright and angular. Products were made by hand by skilled craftsmen.

Question 2

Art Nouveau

Answer 2

Designs were flowing and curvy. Use floral or insect motifs. Well known Art Nouveau designers are Louis C. Tiffany and Rene Lalique.

Question 3

Art Deco

Answer 3

Inspired by African and Egyptian art. Bold colours, geometric, zigzag and stepped shapes, bold sweeping curves and sunburst motifs. Example is the Chrysler Building in New York.

Question 4

Bauhaus

Answer 4

Design movement in Germany founded by Walter Gropius. Motto was “form follows function” - products should be designed with function as the starting point rather than appearance. Furniture often had chrome tubing and leather.

Question 5

De Stijl

Answer 5

Dutch Modernist movement. Designs were basic - used simple shapes, vertical and horizontal lines and primary colours. Gerrit Rietveld’s Red and Blue chair is an example.

Question 6

Postmodernism

Answer 6

Designers rejected “form follows function” idea - thought that style should be the starting point.
Styles include: Memphis, Kitsch (tacky and tastemess) and Extreme minimalism

Question 7

Memphis movement (part of Postmodernism)

Answer 7

Height of Postmodernism, example is Ettre Sottsass’s Carlton cabinet. Designs used bright, contrasting colours and different materials.