WEEK 1: Arts and Crafts

The Arts and Crafts movements were started by designers as a reaction to counter two prevailing trends of the 19th century. These were the Industrial Revolution and the Victorian design.

The Victorian Period which lasted between 1837 and 1901 was an era during the reign of Queen Victoria. Its architectural or decorative art outcomes were usually referred to as 'Victorian'. In this period, no particular style was universally accepted but the Gothic style seemed to be the most prominent in England.

The Industrialisation at the time made it possible for production using new and faster techniques. This caused furniture and accessories to be produced with machines at cheaper rates enabling the masses and not just the elite to be able to purchase furniture textiles and accessories.

Victorian furniture, often made with a range of several different materials included elaborate surface decorations and the designs featured great numbers of stylistic references that were sometimes combined in one piece 

William Morris was one of the major leaders of the Arts and Crafts movement. As clutter and a lack of thought in design had become the norm, he as well as other Arts and Crafts designers and architects sought to go back to a time of simplicity and good quality. 

The Arts and Crafts movement which began in England was only a subdivision of the anti-Victorian reaction referred to as the reform movement that stood against the perceived false pretense of what Victorian design seemed to be in comparison to the actual historical precedents. 

Outcomes of the Arts and Crafts Movement were known to be completely handmade often with exposed hinges. The use of oak wood was prominent and there was a lot of influence from Japanese design due to the simplicity involved.

Historical Examples

Drawing Room of The Red House designed by William Morris and added to by Philip Webb.

Linen Press by Byrdcliffe Arts and Crafts Colony ca. 1904
Medium: Oak, tulip poplar, brass

Library Table by William Lightfoot Price, 1904
Medium: White oak, stained

Current Applications

One Step Further...

Philip Speakman Webb (1831-1950) was a British architect. He studied at Aynho in Northamptonshire and later moved to London where he worked at Morris, Marshall & Faulkner. Among his designs were the Morris Chair which was named after William Morris, 'The Red House' which was William Morris' home and many other elegant country homes with simple and original interiors.

Webb started his practice in 1859 before he founded Morris, Marshall & Faulkner with William Morris in 1861 as they had become good friends who were involved mutually with a group of English pots painters and critics called pre-Raphaelites. 

He made a huge statement with his first commission, 'The Red House' which derived its name from its red brick walls and tiles. It had its hardware exposed as common designs of the Arts and Crafts movement did. 

He also designed a lot of household furniture, stained glass, wallpapers, and carpets and he used various materials to design various accessories. He was known for extreme craftsmanship and high precision as he had high value for his work.

Below are some of Webb's furniture designs: