Arts and Crafts was a design reform movement that flourished in Britain from about 1860 to 1910 and spread to Europe and America. Inspired by the writings of John Ruskin and led by William Morris, it reacted against the poor quality of mass-produced goods and the social effects of industrialisation, championing traditional craftsmanship, honest construction, natural materials and the dignity of the individual maker.
The movement embraced furniture, textiles, wallpaper, metalwork, ceramics, stained glass, jewellery, book design and architecture. Key figures include Philip Webb, C.F.A. Voysey, W.A.S. Benson, Ernest Gimson and the Barnsley brothers, with guilds and workshops such as the Guild of Handicraft promoting collaborative production. Arts and Crafts design is typically simple and functional, with exposed joints, hand-hammered surfaces, stylised natural motifs and a preference for oak, copper, brass and handwoven fabrics. Commercial firms such as Liberty and Heal's helped bring the style to a wider public. Arts and Crafts pieces are highly collected for their integrity and timeless appeal.
