Arts and Crafts Movement

       The Arts and Crafts movement began in England and seeped into the western culture where it was widely accepted in the U.S. The movement was a reaction against the Victorian Period where the style was extremely formal and overdone. Arts and Crafts on the other hand was very simplistic and brought back the importance of quality craftsmanship.





       William Morris founded the movement and was influenced by the writings of Ruskin. Characteristics of the movement include hand-made designs, visible wood joints, simple honest designs, heavy furniture, large exposed hinges, and predominant use of oak and woods with strong visible grains.
       In the image above, the ceiling mounted light incorporates the stained glass features that were utilized during the time period. The use of leather and velvet is evident in the furniture as well.

      Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Scottish architect, was part of the arts and crafts in the early 1900's. His work grew from the basis of Arts and Crafts. The image above is an example of one of his interiors. Mackintosh enjoyed playing with simple constructional elements and using geometric shapes in his designs. From his furniture designs to his interiors, these shapes add character to his pieces and style. The unusual lighting and metalwork are strong attributes of Mackintosh's work.


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EXTRA CREDIT:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KipB-gAgrnk

Peer Review

Micah - Micah did a good job of accurately defining the Arts and Crafts movement  and giving the specific characteristics of that style. Her pictures were perfect examples from the movement.

Stephanie - I like the various examples of chairs from the Art Nouveau architect Henry Van de Velde. The interior she chose also showcased the whiplash lines seen in the art nouveau style.

Art Nouveau

       Art Nouveau began in Europe as a competing style in 1890 against the Arts and Crafts movement that took over England and the U.S.  The name "Art Nouveau" came from a store situated in Paris, France. Architects and designers of this time took inspiration from all things nature whether it be, birds, flowers, vines or insects. Belgium and France were the leaders of Art Nouveau. Victor Horta and Hector Guimard were 2 designers from these countries that excelled in this style. Guimard was a writer who excelled in architecture and design. He became a most significant figure in Paris during his time.

       The image above is of the detail and decoration in Le Grand Palais located on Avenue du General Eisenhower in Paris, France. Grand Palais was constructed with the intent of certain components representing both the classical and art nouveau style. Architects used modern materials such as iron and glass not only structural elements but also as decorative elements in the designs.


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       The images above show perfect examples of the motifs that were used in the Art Nouveau style.  The staircase railings, the lights, the color scheme, the dramatic 'whiplash' lines used all accurately represent Art nouveau.





EXTRA CREDIT:
       Below is a link to a video about Louis Majorelle, a french furniture designer who was an exquisite designer of the art nouveau style.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r08yn0V2Oe8