The Arts & Crafts Movement
In the nineteenth century, the Industrial Revolution took over the production of goods on a mass scale (mass production). The products that were manufactured had a mechanical, structured appearance; this therefore sparked a debate about man versus machine. “Rebels” of the Industrial Revolution believed that true art existed in the handcrafting of products by man and not machine. That natural materials be used instead of synthetic ones. (The Art Story, n.d.)
It was believed that craftsmanship be brought back into production, for the purpose of empowering the men who did the crafting. Inspiration was mainly derived from plants and animals (flora and fauna) and the natural quality of the materials were maintained well. Pieces made from this art movement are popular for symmetry and complete coverage of the product – detail on every surface with nothing left empty. These were the principles of the Arts and Crafts Movement. (Purvis, 2016)
These principles can be identified in the image below:
"Montreal", J. H. Dearle, Fabric (Purleigh Weave), Russet, 50 cm x 46 cm, Morris & Co. (United Kingdom) (Fashioninteriors.co.uk, 2018)
A world-renown designer and important figure in this movement is William Morris. (Purvis, 2016). He is seen as one of the most admired artists in the history of art. Known as a graphic designer, typographer, social activist, poet and artist, Morris sought for the revival of art in textiles – as well as the way in which textiles were manufactured.
In 1861 Morris established a decorative firm of arts with a selection of associates, known as Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. in which handcrafted furniture, décor and fabrics, etc. were produced. In 1875 the firm was renamed to Morris & Co. and went on to produce to this day. (Stylelibrary.com, 2019)
A Contemporary Tribute
Morris & Co., 2019, Sanderson, United Kingdom, (Stylelibrary.com, 2019)
The materials used in the upholstery, especially the carpet, shown above are a perfect representation of how contemporary design had incorporated some of the ideologies and principles of the Arts and Crafts Movement of the late 1800s. (Viator, 2017).
It can be seen that plants were used as inspiration for these designs; it can be identified through the leaf-like patterns and ongoing detailed curves and curls. The natural qualities of the plant structures are maintained through the curls and curves of said plants. (Purvis, 2016)
All of the fabrics are thoroughly covered in detail – this links to the principle of “Horror Vacui” in which a fear of emptiness is expressed. (Soegaard, 2018). The white space is crammed with detail up until its finest point so that the whole surface can reflect the art depicted. (Soegaard, 2018). This was one of the main principles followed by the craftsmen of the art movement. (Soegaard, 2018).
The elements that are most prominent are the continuity in patterns and the use of symmetry. These designs are used to express craftsmanship – like that of a handmade woodcut. (Purvis, 2016)
Sources
Fashioninteriors.co.uk. (2018). William Morris & Co Montreal 226420 Fabric | Russet | Fashion Interiors | Fashion Interiors. [online] Available at: https://www.fashioninteriors.co.uk/fabric/william-morris-and-co/montreal-226420/p180467.html [Accessed 1 Oct. 2019].
Purvis, P. B. M. a. A. W., 2016. 6 ed. Hoboken, New Jersey(United States of America): Wiley.
Soegaard, M. (2018). Horror Vacui: The Fear of Emptiness. [online] The Interaction Design Foundation. Available at: https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/article/horror-vacui-the-fear-of-emptiness [Accessed 1 Oct. 2019].
Stylelibrary.com. (2019). Morris & Co. | The Official Home | Style Library. [online] Available at: https://www.stylelibrary.com/morris&co/# [Accessed 1 Oct. 2019].
The Art Story. (n.d.). The Arts & Crafts Movement Overview. [online] Available at: https://www.theartstory.org/movement/arts-and-crafts/ [Accessed 1 Oct. 2019].
Viator, L. (2017). Arts & Crafts Revival Textiles: Curtains to Carpets. [online] Design for the Arts & Crafts House | Arts & Crafts Homes Online. Available at: https://artsandcraftshomes.com/magazine/arts-crafts-revival-textiles-curtains-to-carpets [Accessed 1 Oct. 2019].
