Architecture and Furnishings of the American Arts and Crafts Movement

The American Arts and Crafts Movement was a reform movement that emerged in the late 19th century in reaction to the excesses of the Victorian era. Inspired by the writings of John Ruskin and William Morris, the movement advocated for a return to handcrafted goods, natural materials, and simple forms.

The American Arts and Crafts Movement had a profound impact on architecture, furnishings, and design. Architects like Frank Lloyd Wright, Gustav Stickley, and Greene and Greene created stunning homes and buildings that reflected the movement's principles.

In this article, we will explore the history, philosophy, and characteristics of the American Arts and Crafts Movement. We will also take a look at some of the most iconic examples of Arts and Crafts architecture and furnishings.

History of the American Arts and Crafts Movement

The American Arts and Crafts Movement emerged in the late 19th century as part of a broader reaction against the excesses of the Victorian era. Industrialization had led to the mass production of cheap, poorly made goods. The Arts and Crafts Movement advocated for a return to handcrafted goods, natural materials, and simple forms.

One of the most influential figures in the American Arts and Crafts Movement was the writer and critic John Ruskin. Ruskin argued that industrialization was destroying the traditional crafts and that the only way to preserve them was to return to handwork.

Another influential figure was William Morris, a British designer and writer. Morris believed that art should be beautiful and functional, and that it should be available to everyone. He founded the Kelmscott Press, which produced beautiful handmade books.

The American Arts and Crafts Movement was also influenced by the American colonial era. Early American furniture was often simple and functional, and it was often made from native woods. The Arts and Crafts Movement revived many of these traditional forms and techniques.

Philosophy of the American Arts and Crafts Movement

The American Arts and Crafts Movement was based on a number of key principles, including:

• Simplicity: Arts and Crafts objects were simple and unadorned, with a focus on clean lines and natural materials.
• Functionality: Arts and Crafts objects were designed to be useful and durable, as well as beautiful.
• Honesty: Arts and Crafts objects were made from natural materials, and they were not disguised or painted to look like something they were not.
• Handcrafted: Arts and Crafts objects were typically handmade by skilled craftsmen, rather than mass-produced in factories.
• Local: Arts and Crafts objects were often made from local materials and by local craftsmen.

The Arts and Crafts Movement believed that these principles were essential for creating a more beautiful and harmonious world.

Characteristics of American Arts and Crafts Architecture

The American Arts and Crafts Movement had a profound impact on architecture. Arts and Crafts homes were typically simple and unadorned, with a focus on natural materials and clean lines. They often featured large porches, overhanging eaves, and exposed beams.

Some of the most common characteristics of American Arts and Crafts architecture include:

• Simple forms: Arts and Crafts homes were typically rectangular or square, with simple gabled roofs.
• Natural materials: Arts and Crafts homes were often built from natural materials such as wood, stone, and brick.
• Large porches: Arts and Crafts homes often featured large porches that were used for outdoor living.
• Overhanging eaves: Arts and Crafts homes often had overhanging eaves that protected the walls from the weather.
• Exposed beams: Arts and Crafts homes often featured exposed beams that added a rustic touch.

Some of the most famous examples of American Arts and Crafts architecture include:

• The Gamble House in Pasadena, California, designed by Greene and Greene
• The Robie House in Oak Park, Illinois, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright
• The Dana House in Springfield, Illinois, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright
• The Martin House in Buffalo, New York, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright
• The Coonley House in Riverside, Illinois, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright

Characteristics of American Arts and Crafts Furnishings

The American Arts and Crafts Movement also had a major impact on furnishings. Arts and Crafts furniture was typically simple and functional, with a focus on natural materials and handcrafted details.

Some of the most common characteristics of American Arts and Crafts furniture include:

• Simple forms: Arts and Crafts furniture was typically simple and unadorned, with clean lines and geometric shapes.
• Natural materials: Arts and Crafts furniture was often made from natural materials such as oak, maple, and cherry.
• Handcrafted details: Arts and Crafts furniture was often handcrafted, with details such as carved moldings, hammered metalwork, and stained glass.
• Functionality: Arts and Crafts furniture was designed to be useful as well as beautiful. It was often built to last, with durable construction and high-quality materials.

Some of the most famous examples of American Arts and Crafts furniture include:

• The furniture of Gustav Stickley
• The furniture of Frank Lloyd Wright
• The furniture of Greene and Greene
• The furniture of Elbert Hubbard