Before Class-Arts & Crafts Movement

The arts in craft movement truly began in the late 19th century with what was described as a book-design renaissance. Despite the efforts of book designers and publishers early on in the century, the art faded from the publics eye until its rebirth. This arts and crafts movement was meant to re-amp the art world and clean up after what the industrial revolution did to the society and the art world. Many figures were involved with the rise of the arts and crafts movement in England, but William Morris was considered to be the leader of the movement. Morris' main gaol was to push for individual creativity and expression. The quoted philosopher of this movement, John Ruskin, states that the movement was meant to bring society and the arts together after the two aspects of life became separated due to the industrial revolution. He also brought fourth even more important improvements for society, like bettering the education system, improving housing conditions, and even the idea of retirement benefits. Much like the first renaissance this movement did more than just revive the art world, the Arts and Crafts movement was involved with improving society as a whole. William Morris influenced the creation of a group of designers called the Century Guild. The guild was created by Arthur H. Mackmurdo, an old architect who was inspired by Morris' ideas. The guild was set up "to render all branches of art the sphere, no longer of the tradesman, but of the artist." In other words they sought out to bring back the artistry that seemed to disappear during the industrial revolution. One interesting work created by Mackmurdo and the members of the guild was called the Hobby Horse , that was meant to declare the philosophy and goals of the Century Guild. The reason why this piece is so important because it brings up this concept of print making being seen as an art instead of a trade. This whole period is all about art and the artist. No longer is the art world contained by the industrial revolutions mass production, artist and designers return to taking great care with there work focusing on the quality of finished products rather than quantity.

My one question about this period in art, is what is an easy way to know if a piece of work is from the Arts and Crafts movement?