The Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society

Definition

The Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society was an organization founded in 1887 in London to promote the ideals of the Arts and Crafts Movement, focusing on craftsmanship, design quality, and the value of handmade goods. It served as a platform for artists and craftspeople to showcase their work, reflecting a response against industrialization and mass production, and emphasizing the importance of individual creativity and skilled craftsmanship in art and design.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The society's first exhibition took place in 1888 at the New Gallery in London, showcasing a variety of crafts including textiles, ceramics, and metalwork.
2. It was instrumental in promoting the concept of 'art for all,' advocating for beautiful, functional designs that could be accessible to a wider audience.
3. The society helped launch many prominent designers' careers by providing them with an opportunity to exhibit their work to the public and potential buyers.
4. It played a critical role in influencing later design movements such as Art Nouveau and Modernism by pushing back against the impersonal nature of industrial production.
5. Membership included notable figures from various disciplines, creating a community that shared ideas about aesthetics, functionality, and social responsibility in design.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of The Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society influence the public perception of craftsmanship during its time?
  • The establishment of The Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society significantly influenced public perception by elevating the status of craftsmanship and handmade goods. By providing a platform for artists to display their work, it showcased the beauty and value of well-made items in contrast to mass-produced products. This shift encouraged consumers to appreciate quality and craftsmanship, leading to a greater demand for artisan products.
• Discuss the impact of The Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society on subsequent design movements.
  • The Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society had a profound impact on subsequent design movements by advocating for aesthetics that valued craftsmanship over industrial production. It inspired movements like Art Nouveau, which embraced organic forms and decorative arts, as well as Modernism, which sought simplicity yet also appreciated handmade qualities. The society’s emphasis on individuality in design laid groundwork that challenged future designers to explore new artistic expressions.
• Evaluate how The Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society reflected broader societal changes occurring during its inception.
  • The Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society reflected broader societal changes by responding to industrialization's impact on art and culture. As society increasingly faced issues like dehumanization due to factory work, the society’s emphasis on craftsmanship championed a return to individual creativity and meaningful work. This movement resonated with those longing for authenticity in a rapidly changing world, marking a significant cultural shift toward valuing handmade artistry as part of a broader critique of industrial society.

Related terms

William Morris: A key figure in the Arts and Crafts Movement, Morris was a designer, craftsman, and poet who advocated for the beauty of handcrafted items and sought to improve the quality of everyday life through art.

Craftsmanship: The skill and quality involved in creating handmade goods, often emphasized by the Arts and Crafts Movement as a reaction to industrial manufacturing processes.

Aesthetic Movement: An artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th century, emphasizing aesthetic values over social or political themes, which influenced the principles of the Arts and Crafts Movement.