History of Design and Craftsmanship

Arts and Crafts Movement

Arts and Crafts Movement

The Arts and Crafts movement was a 19th-century artistic and design movement that emerged in Britain as a reaction to the Industrial Revolution. The movement advocated for the revival of traditional craftsmanship and using natural materials instead of mass-produced goods that were becoming increasingly common.

The movement was founded by a group of artists and designers concerned about industrialization’s impact on traditional craftsmanship. They believed that the industrialization of society was leading to a loss of quality and individuality in the products being produced. They argued that the mechanization of production led to the devaluation of art and design and that a machine could not replicate the beauty of a handmade object.

The movement was led by influential figures such as William Morris, who was a designer, writer, and socialist activist. Morris was deeply concerned with the social impact of industrialization and believed that the role of art and design was to improve the lives of the working class. He founded the Company Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. (later known as Morris & Co.), which produced furniture, textiles, and other decorative objects that were handmade and designed to be beautiful and functional.

One piece you might be familiar with is the Morris chair, which Morris & Company manufactured. However, they did not design the chair; it was originally designed by Ephraim Colman, who passed on the design to Philip Webb, a co-founder of the Company.

The Arts and Crafts movement was also inspired by the principles of the Gothic Revival, which celebrated medieval craftsmanship and architecture. This influence can be seen in the use of Gothic motifs in Arts and Crafts design, such as the use of pointed arches and quatrefoils.

The movement significantly impacted design and the decorative arts, influencing everything from furniture and textiles to architecture and typography. In addition, the movement’s emphasis on traditional craftsmanship and the use of natural materials inspired a generation of designers to create beautiful and functional objects.

However, the Arts and Crafts movement was not without its critics. Some argued that the movement was elitist and out of touch with the realities of modern society. Others argued that the movement was too focused on the past and failed to embrace the possibilities of new technologies and materials.

Despite these criticisms, the Arts and Crafts movement had a lasting impact on design and continues to influence contemporary furniture design today. Its emphasis on the value of traditional craftsmanship and the use of natural materials continues to resonate with designers and consumers who are looking for alternatives to mass-produced goods.

In conclusion, the Arts and Crafts movement was a reaction to the dehumanizing effects of industrialization and a celebration of traditional craftsmanship and the natural world. Its impact on design and the decorative arts continues to be felt today. Its principles inspire woodworkers seeking to continue the tradition of quality handcrafted furniture and designers who seek to create beautiful and functional objects made with care and attention to detail.


I’m the owner of Benham Design Concepts, a mixed media art studio where I design and build custom furniture and other works of art using wood, glass, stone, and various metals.
In this blog, I talk about the art I create, my journey, and the things I learn along the way.

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