Demonstration of craft skills in wood, stone, brick and tiles. Leading architects of the Edwardian period including Edwin Lutyens, Philip Webb, Norman Shaw and Charles Voysey designed homes sympathetic to the movements aims. Stores such Liberty and Co and Heals in London were strong promoters, stocking goods. Morris himself took influence from John Ruskin, a leading art critic.īy the early twentieth century, the movements influence on design was firmly established. Such was his success, that many of his designs are still with us today. The designer William Morris was an active member, through his influence on design and in manufacturing, he achieved international recognition. Their first exhibition in 1888 concentrated on ceramics, textiles, metalwork and furniture. The name originates from the Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society set up to promote the role of decorative design. The views were closely aligned with those concerned about deteriorating social conditions in the growing industrial towns. Commentators of the day saw the risk that skills honed over centuries were being lost as mechanisation took over. The Great Exhibition of 1851 whilst demonstrating industrial progress, alarmed others. Initially a reaction against industrialisation, deskilling and excessive ornamentation, it still influences our tastes today. The Arts and Craft movements roots date back to the late Victorian period.
