The Arts & Crafts Movement and National Romanticism

The Arts & Crafts Movement Lecture by Hilal Buğalı
National Romanticism: Social and Political Context

  • Historical Background

    • France's defeat in the Franco-Prussian War (1871) led to a decline in French cultural influence.
    • British, Russian, Austro-Hungarian, and Prussian empires began dominating culturally and economically.
    • Resulted in power struggles, enhancing national pride across these nations.

  • Cultural Influence of Empires

    • Rise of nationalism was observed in Europe, America, Japan, etc.
    • Rapid industrialisation and urbanisation followed Britain's lead across Europe.

  • Population Growth

    • Medical advancements led to a doubling of the population in Europe in the 19th century.
    • Emergence of a growing middle class, leading to increased consumption of mass-produced goods.

  • Design Reformers

    • Criticism of poorly designed, cheap products spurred a search for ethical production philosophies.
    • Nationalism inspired a reevaluation of cultural roots focusing on folklore, traditions.

  • Philosophy of Johann Gottfried von Herder

    • Herder emphasized language, culture, and traditions as cohesive forces in a nation.
    • His ideas about nationality and patriotism influenced the roots of National Romanticism
    • Claim: "He who has lost his patriotic spirit has lost himself."
Examples of Norwegian National Romanticism
  • Frognerseteren Restaurant
    • Designed by Holm Hansen Munthe (1890).
  • Buksnes Church
    • Designed by Karl Norum (1905).
  • Viking-Revival Style
    • E.g., Viking-Revival armchair by Lars Kinsarvik (c. 1900).
  • Tapestry
    • "Suitors (The Daughters of the Northern Lights)" by Gerhard Munthe (1892).
Finnish Contributions to National Romanticism
  • Eliel Saarinen
    • Designs include:
    • Finnish Pavilion for the 1900 Paris Exposition.
    • Helsinki Central Railway Station (1904-1909).
    • Elbow chairs (1909) for State Railway Administration Offices.
The Arts & Crafts Movement in Britain

  • Movement Characteristics

    • Late 19th-century desire for meaningful design emerged, inspired by design reformers like Augustus Pugin, John Ruskin, and William Morris.
    • Main challenge: Address the paradox of Morris’ philosophy versus mechanisation.
    • Younger Arts & Crafts designers accepted mechanisation as a production method.

  • Key Designs

    • Decanter by Charles Robert Ashbee (1901).
    • Chair by Arthur Heygate Mackmurdo (1882).
    • Vase and other items by Archibald Knox for Liberty & Co. (1900-1910).
Inspirations from American Arts & Crafts

  • Mission Style

    • Influenced by Spanish mission furnishings, focusing on functionality over decoration.
    • Characterized by minimalistic designs with strong lines.

  • Key Figures

    • Gustav Stickley designed furnishings that exemplified the American Arts & Crafts ethos (e.g., side chair, library table).

  • Notable Works by Frank Lloyd Wright

    • Dana Thomas House (1902-04) in Springfield, Illinois.
    • Larkin Administration Building (1904), with a focus on specific site design.
Quotes on Design Philosophy
  • “Simplicity, sincerity, repose, directness and frankness are moral qualities essential to good architecture as to good men.”
  • Nikolaus Pevsner’s critique of the Hill House by Charles Rennie Mackintosh highlights modern design philosophy.