Chapter 10

This chapter went over the Arts and Crafts movement, and discussed significant figures such as William Morris and John Ruskin.  Ruskin was a writer and artist who inspired  the philosophy of the movement, he rejected the Industrial Revolution type of work, and instead wanted to focus on the art and labor in society.  "A process of separating art and society had begun after the Renaissance" (167).  William Morris is considered to be the leader of the English Arts and Crafts Movement.  He wanted to show individual expressionism through his painting, typography, poetry and eventually through interior design.  He created very expressive wallpapers, furniture, textiles and carpets, which led to the creation of his business, Morris and Company.  The Arts and Crafts movement can be described as a period of time in which beautiful objects were created, men could enjoy work more, the exploitation of the poor was lowered, books were redesigned, and the list can continue.  

I find it funny that Morris was all about helping the poor and 'taught design that could bring art to the working class' (173), yet all of his created furnishings from Morris and Company and books were only available to the wealthy.  He seems like a big hypocrite in this scenario, as if he wanted to appeal to both ends of the spectrum.  He employed the poor and sold to the rich.

I am curious why the Kelmscott Press' first productions, The Story of the Glittering Plain, was printed in a very small amount at first.  Then over the next 8 years, the demand for this particular book skyrocketed,... even after Morris' death.  Why was this book so popular?  Why did everyone want it versus all books at this time, especially since his books were intended for the wealthy?