Arts and Crafts Movement.

The Arts and Crafts movement started as a rebellion against machines, in Britain around the 19th century. Artists were not pleased by the new machines that were taking over, mass producing furniture and other goods, making them all look the same. The problem at the time was that manufacturers did not show appreciation towards art, creating products without thinking a lot about it as long as it can be produced cheaply.

Simple forms were used for the movement being inspired by nature to create the pattern and artists did not shy away from using the materials they were suppose to use for the products instead of a cheaper version of the material.

William Morris and John Ruskin’s ideas inspired architects, located, mainly, in London. William Morris was involved with the Art Workers’ Guide, showing artists different techniques and things he learnt as an artist true-out the years. He did not help with founding the Arts Workers’ Guide, since his way of thinking was not appreciated by every Guild member, but in 1892, he became one of the Masters.

The first time the term Arts and Crafts was used the describe the movement was in 1888, when T J Cobden- Sanderson suggested the term for the Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society.

The Arts and Crafts Movement grew once technical colleges and schools that teach art started being influenced by the movement. These art Schools were mostly based in London, Glasgow and Birmingham in the 1950s’ and later.

The movement accepted everyone’s work. From students and hobbyists, to professionals. It was also the first time women placed a leading role in an art movement that was important and popular. As designers, women came up with new designs concerning both architectural buildings and interior decorating.

“The proper place for the Arts and Crafts is in the country” written by C R Ashbee is a book about the movement and the romanticisation of rural life. Communities in the country, are in Cotswolds, in Cornwall, and at Ditchling in Sussex.

Both music and drama played an important part in the Arts and Crafts Movement. Ralph Vaughan Williams and Gustav Holst, are composers, who shared their love for the countryside and the folk traditions with the movement.

Arnold Dolmetch, a performer, scholar, promoter and maker, took charge into reviving the early English music. In the meantime Cecil Sharp, along with others, gathered traditional folk songs as well as dances.

Enterainment such as the theatrical kind, was a very crucial aspect in society, made up from professionals and hobbyists alike.

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Arts and Crafts: Design in a Nutshell (2/6) – YouTube. 2014. Arts and Crafts: Design in a Nutshell (2/6) – YouTube. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBq73yxha0o. [Accessed 20 November 2014].

About the Arts and Crafts Movement . 2014. About the Arts and Crafts Movement . [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.artsandcraftsmuseum.org.uk/Arts_and_Crafts_Movement/The_Arts_and_Crafts_Movement.aspx. [Accessed 20 November 2014].

Art Workers’ Guide, Available at: http://www.artworkersguild.org/about-us/history/ (Accessed: 19th November 2014).