Arts & Crafts III

Small Arts and Crafts sketches from the late 19th century to early 20th century, featuring predominantly floral patterns and motifs based on elements from nature. 'Arts and Crafts' was an international design philosophy that originated in England and flourished between 1860 and 1910, instigated by the artist and writer William Morris (1834–1896). It had its earliest and most complete development in the Britain, and was largely a reaction against the impoverished state of the decorative arts and the conditions by which they were produced. The philosophy was an advocacy of traditional craftsmanship using simple forms and often medieval, romantic or folk styles of decoration. It also included advocacy of economic and social reform and has been considered as essentially anti-industrial. Most are small preliminary sketches, but there is also one photocopy. There are designs by, amongst others, F J Weideman and Sir M Digby Wyatt. Many designs are attached in multiples to single sheets of backing paper, and where this is the case, no dominant colour has been recorded.