Homework #3

Arts and Crafts Movement

            In England, during the nineteenth century, the Arts and Crafts movement had the momentum to revive the increasing decline in book production.  William Morris and John Ruskin were both influential to the revival of the movement.  The works produced during this time were mainly two-dimensional patterns. This was a time where craftsmanship was honored, rather than mass-produced goods. 

The movement went beyond book design, and could be found in buildings, woodblocks, prints and household objects. In later years, Morris focused on graphic design and typography. He created the Kelmscott press and focused on recapturing the detail of hand-printing, handmade paper and hand cut woodblocks. Morris designed hundreds of woodblocks and all were intricately designed with initials, boarders, frames, and title pages. Morris demonstrated that this art form could bring an appreciation for art to the working class.

Even after the death of Morris, his presence could be found in book designs and typography throughout the world.  In the Netherlands, artists wanted to revive printing and the traditional standards of the art form. Many did not view the Industrial Revolution as a good thing, since it allowed for mass production.  Artists like Sjoerd H. de Roos, saw that a successful typeface was the foundation of a great book design. Artists like Nypels, Stols, and Krimpen, were focused on high quality designs with legible typography.

The Arts and crafts movements spread to America, where designers were still influenced by William Morris. The American Type Founders Company, held a massive library containing past typographic designs. This was instrumental in reviving past designs.

This movement sparked an appreciation for craftsmanship rather than the mass production the Industrial Revolution had brought.  William Morris proved to be an influential leader in the Arts and crafts designs and inspired hundreds of artists. Graphic design stretched beyond book designs and typography, into prints and even household items.

William Morris woodblock design 1886

William Morris typefaces. Late 1800's

De Roos typeface and design 1907