The pendulum of design has swung from simplicity to excess throughout history. Given the tendency for Victorians to embellish any surface that could, therefor should, be decorated, it was only a matter of time that the stylistic winds would blow towards a more spartan look. The Arts and Crafts movement has become synonymous with this return to earthy simplicity in furnishings and interior design.

The Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society had their official beginning in 1888 when a show of the works of its members was shown to the public for the first time at the New Gallery in London, England. Its roots however go back much further, to 1851.

During that year, the public was invited to view the wondrous Great Exhibition at the Crystal Palace in London, England. Meant to impress the World, and foster pride in its British citizens, it nevertheless had the opposite effect on many. To a small group of visionaries, artists and designers, the objects represented were of poor commercial design hidden by excess ornamentation. But there was a moral cause as well – the social effects of the Industrial Revolution.

By educating the public, these forward - thinking groups sought to emphasize good design, high standards, honest construction, and the social benefit to consumer and producer alike in having craftsman go back to creating objects by hand rather than using machines.

The movement was doomed to failure. Early members, such as William Morris, were wealthy men. They, as well as their clients, were the only ones who could afford to buy expensive handmade objects and furnishings. In spite of this, the movement spread. As we look upon arts and crafts pieces today, it is hard not to delight in the beauty, and simplicity of its furnishings, textiles, and accessories.

INFLUENCES:
Arts and Crafts – designed pieces were influenced by the Orient, the Middle Ages, Gothic styles and by nature. Flora and fauna, when used in decoration, was stylized, not realistic. In North America, the “Mission” style is often mistaken for Arts and Crafts but although similar they are not the same.

FURNISHINGS:
Furniture was often built in, mirroring or repeating architectural details in the home. Quarter sawn oak was revered for its beautiful grain, and used in furnishings as well as millwork and floors. Walnut, mahogany and rosewood were rarely, if ever, used. Furniture was neither scrolled, carved, bent, or turned. Straight flat bands of wood, squared spindles and exposed tenons are hallmarks of the style. Wood was left natural, or stained, then waxed. One of the most well known pieces of furniture from that era is the “Morris Chair” – an adjustable armchair of good proportions made of oak with loose cushions, in leather or tapestry.

MATERIALS & ORNAMENTATION
Honesty of materials was paramount in importance. Wood was meant to look like wood, and brick like brick. Ornamentation was never superfluous, but part of the whole. Pictures on the walls were generally not encouraged. Instead, murals were painted directly onto the wide frieze above the wainscoting. Stenciling and glazing created rich, complex colors for walls that suited the mostly - wood interiors.

TEXTILES:
Textiles were made of natural fibres: linen, cotton and wool in plain weave. Occasionally, simple embroidery was used to embellish fabric surfaces. Lace was still in evidence, but in sheer weaves with small stripes and / or small textural patterns. The Arts and Crafts home was a model of restraint.

ACCESSORIES:
Art glass is one of the most important elements in this look. It was used in windows, on light fixtures, and in panels on furniture. Geometric designs or simple stylized motifs of roses, gingkoes, or irises were used.

Art tiles were used on fireplace fronts and walls. Simple floral arrangements, dried weeds, or tree branches artfully arranged were popular.

Art pottery in simple shapes and warm natural colors was displayed in cabinets and on mantelpieces. Van Briggle pottery , now prohibitively expensive, is a good example of the style. Other colors favored by the Arts and Crafts school include: earthy browns, autumn reds and oranges, leaf greens, warm tans and beiges, grey – blues and plum – lavenders.

The Arts and Crafts style is enjoying a very strong revival. Furniture reproductions abound. Keep in mind the scale of the originals when buying copies. Contemporary pottery works well with the natural look of the wood, and plain surfaces. Above all, the look is perfect for the couple who cannot agree on antique or modern furnishings. With its simple style, true vintage pieces can look modern in the right setting.

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