Week 1 – Arts and Crafts Movement

Arts and Crafts Period:

This week we talked about the Arts and Crafts period. This period took place around 1860-1910. After the Victorian period, it emerged as a result of frustration from designers after the Victorian era. The arts and crafts movement is heavily based on ideals and not excess, as well as a focus on usefulness and beauty. Designers felt the need to “reset” after the Victorian period, as it got a little chaotic. I really liked the comparison slide in the slideshow to show how the Victorian era differed from the Arts and Crafts era. 

Favorite Examples:

Red House: designed by Philip Webb for William Morris. It has exposed brick and simple white interiors. It's a really good example of honesty in materials and construction! You can see the visible hardware on the exterior

Morris Chair: adjustable reclining chair, plain leather or velvet upholstery. Good example of functionality and comfort over decoration. 

Glasgow School of Art: designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. It has very strong geometry and custom furniture. It is considered a transitional bridge towards modernism.

Gamble House: built in 1908 by Greene and Greene. Showcases very rich wood interiors with handcrafted joinery. Emphasis on nature and craftsmanship. 

Current Applications

Modern Craftsman Homes in the US: These houses have exposed beams, natural wood, and built in furniture. This is a great example of how designs of Stickley and Greene & Greene influence architecture today. 

Custom wood furniture: in custom wood furniture, there is visible joinery and emphasis on quality over mass production

Modern Japenese Minimalist interiors: these use very natural materials and create calm spaces. The design of the space is very intentional and reflects mackintosh and Voysey influences.

Custom Built in Furniture: this can include bookshelves, benches, window seats, etc. I really liked the aesthetics of this bookshelf. It shows the functional beauty which is inspired by the arts and crafts era.

One Step Further:

For my one step further, I chose to focus on William Morris, the founder of the movement. He worked as a designer, artist, writer, and social reformer in the arts and crafts era. He has a strong reaction against the industrial revolution, mass production, and poor craftsmanship. Instead, he believed that design should be very functional and beautiful. His famous philosophy is that “Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” He stood out to me because of his focus on intention and meaning in the home.

William Morris Portrait

Red House interior

William Morris's nature-inspired wallpaper- shows his influence beyond furniture

Kelmscott House interior: shows his lived environment and how his philosophy translates to daily life.

Reflection:

I really liked this period! It stood out to me because it challenges the idea that faster and cheaper design is not always better. It really considered how honest materials and craftsmanship can influence design. I personally like this idea of cleaner design and functionality over the clutter and unnecessary ornamentation style of the Victorian period. I admire how designers believed homes should feel intentional and calm. I want to focus more on longevity and sustainability in my own design!