Arts and Crafts movement emerged in the late nineteenth century as a rebellion of all things manufactured. Their ideas were to reject mass production and the heavy detailed decoration of the Victorian era. They simplified their designs to flowing lines and looked at nature for their influence which can be recognised in their artworks. They celebrated a return of the handcrafts and artisan made artworks which included wood furniture, tapestries, wallpaper, pottery, stained glass and metal work. They stood for traditional, fine craftsmanship, utility and simplicity. The Arts and Crafts movement is closely related to, but unmistakable from the Art Nouveau and the Aesthetic movements of around the same era.
Both Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau styles are very similar they both use simple, natural lines and influences from nature but they are different in small ways. They both embraced the natural elements, with great influences on the local folk art with influenced both styles.
Art Nouveau design tended to use stronger colours, rounder lines, and bolder contrasting colour schemes. This is because it’s designers were aware of the modern industrial pigmentation and dying techniques of the day and embraced it.
Arts and Crafts movement preferred a return to pre- industrial, natural dying and pigmentation techniques. Colour schemes were subtle and lent towards natural soft tones within Arts and Crafts design schemes.
The Great Exhibition of 1851 was one of the first venues to exhibit Arts and Crafts.
It was considered a movement as the it was set around ideals rather than a distinctive style.
Key contributors William Morris and John Ruskin.
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