The term "decorative arts" is traditionally used to define ornamental and functional works in ceramic, wood, glass, metal, or textile. This field often includes furniture, furnishings, and interior design items, as well as architecture. The term is used to separate these items from the fine arts, such as painting, drawing, photography, and sculpture. "Function" is the key word that defines the distinction. The best example of decorative arts can be seen in the Arts and Crafts movement, which was a reformist movement inspired by the writings of John Ruskin. The movement began in reaction to the machine-made production of the Industrial Revolution. The artists, who considered the machine to be the root of all evils, turned away from the use of machines and towards handcrafted items such as mirrors, lamps, and frames. For the first time in art history, the unique personality of the craftman became more of a focus than the historical style of the design. The Arts and Crafts movement was at its height between 1880 and 1910. It had a strong influence on British decorative arts, architecture, cabinet making, and crafts. The most famous craftsman of this movement were William Morris, Charles Robert Ashbee, and Edwin Lutyens, among many other famous names. The Arts and Crafts movement was considered to be a significant part of the major English aesthetic movement that took place in the later years of the 19th century. In the United States, the use of the term "Arts and Crafts movement" usually describes the style of interior design that was popular in both the Art Nouveau and Art Deco period from 1910 to 1925. Today, the interest in antiques and the decorative arts seems to be an incidence of history repeating itself. Just as the original reformists rejected the Industrial Revolution, today, people are seeking home furnishings that reflect the human spirit as opposed to the hard drive of their PC. |
