Industrial Revolution – A Transition for or Against Mission of Arts and Crafts Movement

Abstract

Art and Crafts movement began primarily as a search for authentic and meaningful styles as a reaction to the soulless machine-made production. The legendaries consider machine to be the root cause of reducing the role of artists and architects in the society. Industrial Revolution was a response to shift from labor intensive economy to capital intensive economy. Quantum production happened due to Industrial revolution, increasing socio economic conditions (Crawford, 1997). Wind and water were replaced by coal and steam creating labor-saving machines. Simultaneously, decreases human and animal labor and increases level of productivity with the help of machines, industrial factories, and specialized labor. However, Arts and Crafts movement innovated great philosophies but it did not work out in their style or design. Their ideologies of Gothic revival, medieval architecture, rustic styles, and importance to tapestries harked them back into ages. It let miscommunication to common man. No doubt; movement increased the status of craftsman and promoted vernacularism and traditions but failed to produce art for the masses. The biggest drawback of the movement was that it was successful in raising the standards of high profile but not for common man (Goodwin, 2011). Example of this can be stated as Philip Webb designed house in 1880, decorated by Morris and paintings by Burne-Jones. That house could be afforded by wealthy only, so Arts and Crafts movement was not a positive spark for middle class people of 19th century (S.Cummings, 2006). Whereas emphasis of industrial revolution was movement was achieved by rise in industrial production, generalization of the use of energy source, movement of mechanization of lawsuit of work, steam engine and many other technological advancements, growth etc. Due to Industrialization in 1850 Britain gone from small country in Europe to major world power.