Arts and Crafts Movement

The Arts and Crafts Movement began in 1860 as a response to the Victorian Period. Victorian design had featured mass-produced, cheaply made products, leading to dissatisfaction as people realized the need for quality designs. The focus of the Arts and Crafts movement was simple, well-made furniture and architecture that was functional, as opposed to the uncomfortable, cluttered, and dysfunctional Victorian style.



One of the most prominent figures of this time was William Morris. Morris is credited as being the founder of  the Arts and Crafts Movement after being influenced by the writings of Ruskin. He inspired the formation of craft guilds and established his own company, Morris, Marshall, & Faulkner. Their work focused on church decoration, stained glass, textiles, and furniture. The company is perhaps best known for the Morris Chair, designed by Philip Webb. It featured a solid wood frame with a simple, honest construction, loose cushions for the seat and back, and could be reclined. The style was vastly popular has been widely copied, even today.

The later period of the Arts and Crafts Movement saw the rise of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, a Scottish architect and designer. He started in the Arts and Crafts base, but grew more towards the Art Nouveau style. He was known for his unusual furniture and details, as well as exaggerated proportions. These styles helped usher in the Art Nouveau style that would follow Arts and Crafts.

Current Examples: