The Arts and Crafts style of architecture is one of the most classic styles of home design. Originally from England, it has spread across Europe and North America. It has been used to build both traditional and contemporary homes.
Origins in England
The Arts and Crafts movement was an artistic movement of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It was a response to industrialization and the mass production of consumer goods, and it also had a significant influence on the design and decoration of houses.
Various architects and artists participated in the movement. It was characterized by an emphasis on traditional construction techniques and the use of high-quality materials. Many people consider it a relic of a bygone era, but the movement is still influential today.
While the Arts and Crafts movement began in the United Kingdom, it spread across the world. In the United States, the movement gained a major boost with the American Arts & Crafts Exhibition, held in Boston’s Copley Hall in April 1897. This exhibition featured over a thousand objects, many of them designed by 160 craftsmen.
Although the movement’s scope extended to virtually every facet of the decorative arts, residences became the main focus. They were viewed by the practitioners as the locus of a traditional family unit, and as a regenerative spiritual haven.
Spread across Europe
The Arts and Crafts Movement began in England in the late nineteenth century. It was a reaction against industrialization and the dehumanizing effects of factory production. Despite its success in Europe and the United States, the movement faded after the First World War. However, the idea of the Arts and Crafts Movement has survived through the Crafts Revival in 1950s Britain and the US.
Although the Arts and Crafts movement had many strains, its main ideology was based on the idea of using high-quality materials and utilitarian design. As a result, the principles of Arts and Crafts were applied to everything from armchairs to glassware.
The main architects of the Arts and Crafts Movement were Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Norman Shaw, and John Webb. Most of these artists set up workshops in rural areas, with many having rail links to London.
In Britain, the Arts and Crafts Movement had its roots in the Cotswolds. It was rooted in the nostalgia for rural traditions. Moreover, it was also inspired by images of nature and illumination manuscripts.
Influence in North America
The Arts and Crafts movement was a major international art and design movement that began in Europe during the 19th century and spread into the United States during the 1890s. Its leaders rediscovered national traditions and promoted a simple, elegant design. They believed that handcrafted objects were superior to machine-made ones.
The Arts and Crafts movement is best known for its architectural influence. It was particularly popular between 1880 and 1920. In some cases, the style was adapted to suit local needs. Some notable examples are Bungalows and Foursquares.
The Movement started in England in the mid-19th century, when industrialization moved a large number of working-class laborers into cities. These workers had to work long hours and earn low wages. Despite the hardships, many wished to maintain their traditional way of life.
The movement gathered a number of artistic societies. These societies often incorporated handicrafts. Among these were the Society of Arts and Crafts, the Art Workers Guild, and the Exhibition Society. Each one had a different focus on quality craftsmanship.
