The Arts and Crafts Movement

The Arts and Crafts movement was international design that initially developed in England between 1860 and 1910 and held its influence till 1930.  In the United States this style was knows as Mission Style.  It was mainly inspired by John Ruskin and William Morris.  This movement represented a new appreciation for the decorative arts.  During this time the idea of craftsmanship had been taken over by the industrial revolution and mass production took over.

In 1816, the British poet and designer, William Morris, founded an interior decorator and manufacturing firm called Morris, Marshall, Faulkner and company which aimed at reviving the spirit and quality of medieval craftsmanship.  Morris together with his colleagues produced handcrafted goods.  Many designers today have been greatly influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement and the works of William Morris. (Taken from http://www.artyfactory.com/art_appreciation/graphic_designers/william_morris.html)

Wallpaper by William Morris

By 1880 the Arts and Crafts movement had spread to a new generation.  In 1882 a guild for craftsmen was created which together with several other groups,  revived the art of craftsmanship and hand printing. 

By 1890, the movement had spread to many other countries.  As the Arts and Crafts movement spread, it grew closer and closer to many other movements happening at the time especially with Art Nouveau.

Aswell as being closely related with Art Nouveau, the Arts and Crafts movement has a substantial amount of Byzantine influence.

Recently I was on holiday in Venice and as I began to look around I could clearly see influences of the Arts and Crafts movement together with Byzantine influences.  All the local boutiques sold goods which were hand made and  highly decorated.  I could see influences in the architecture of the buildings especially around the windows of the buildings, and also in the street furniture.  From the fonts used on signs in the streets to the lamp posts and benches, the Arts and Crafts movement can be clearly seen.

Arts and Crafts influence on the street furniture in venice.

Byzantine influence on architecture in Venice.

Arts and Crafts influence on hand made goods sold in  small boutique shops in Venice.