It is common to associate the names Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin (1812-52) and William Morris (1834-1896) with the profession of interior design; Pugin decorated the Houses of Parliament, and Morris, maybe less generously, designed wallpaper, tiles, and placemats. However, both of these men were passionate reformers of their time, and their work helped pave the way for a backlash against the poor quality of mass-produced Victorian-era furniture and other household products that would become known as the Arts and Crafts Movement.

These two gentlemen shared a desire to see manufacturing methods revert to their more traditional, hand-based origins. Gothic furniture from the Middle Ages inspired Pugin because of its simplicity and openness in terms of building techniques and materials. His most well-known creation is an armoire, which he designed and built himself. The Victoria and Albert Museum in London, England, acquired the work by G. Crace for the 1851 Great Exhibition.

In 1861, Morris founded the firm of Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. Morris, unlike Pugin, did not create furniture, but he had colleagues like J. P. Seddon, William Burges, and Philip Webb make the simple, well-made pieces that are characteristic of Arts and Crafts design. Webb's 'Sussex' chair, with its classic rush seat and blackened or ebonized beech frame, is a good illustration of this type of chair. One of George Jack's latter works was a wood dining table with a herringbone pattern along one side and eight twisted legs featuring floral inlays.

It was challenging to maintain the ideals of the Arts & Crafts movement. Pugin died shortly after the Houses of Parliament decorations were finished because he had become so fatigued trying to duplicate his Gothic Revival style. Morris was fighting an uphill battle when he tried to undercut the low prices of mass-produced Victorian furniture. Ironically, only the wealthy could buy the Arts and Crafts furniture that was designed to celebrate the handiwork of the artisan.

Morris, who entered politics in 1883, eventually gave in to mass manufacturing by allowing his company to use equipment to produce furniture, in part so that it would be more affordably priced. Instead of being bound to the wheel of Victorian industrial production, laborers in his ideal world may enjoy the outdoors and viking art displays in factory gardens for four hours a day.

Later in the 19th century, the Arts and Crafts Movement gained popularity, inspiring people like Voysey, Mackmurdo, Ashbee, and Charles Rennie Mackintosh to develop a distinctive aesthetic for what would become known as "progressive" Arts and Crafts furniture, which was eventually adopted by companies like Heals & Son. Rennie Mackintosh was able to bridge the gap between the more straightforward right angles of the Arts and Crafts movement and the more organic floral shapes of the Art Nouveau movement, and the modernism that he brought to furniture design is still evident today.

In the antique trade, Cumbria has become synonymous with fine Arts & Crafts furniture. Local antique shops in Cumbria will be able to help you find unique pieces of Arts & Crafts furniture.

Arts and Crafts Stores For Your Picture Frames and Hobby Supplies

Most cities have stores where you may find arts and crafts materials and get inspiration for your projects. But now, thanks to the Internet, anyone can obtain arts and crafts equipment and photo frames to suit even the most particular tastes and obscure requests. I've compiled a list of five local art supply shops that should satisfy your requirements. Whether you're seeking to add some flair to your living space or office, you'll be able to discover the ideal photo frame here. Those who enjoy DIY projects and artistic pursuits are sure to come across something they want.

1. Pearl: The World's Largest Discount Art Supplier

There are 18 physical sites of Pearl Art & Craft, and they also have a fantastic website where you can find many wholesale and discount offers. There are many different kinds of art for sale, including frame kits and albums, canvas and easel furniture, printing and sculpture, fine arts and crafts, and many more.

2. Toys R Us

The 432 Hobby Lobby locations can be found in 35 different states. It's a one-stop shop for all your arts and crafts, framing, jewelry, beading, fabric, floral, party, card, home decor, holiday, and more needs. Online customers can also purchase gift cards, weekly deals, a Hobby Lobby Visa, a craft catalog, and online orders.

3. A.C. The Moore Gallery of Decorative Arts

There are more than 130 A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts locations in the eastern states of the United States, and there is also an easy-to-use online store. Their competitive edge is in the high quality of service they provide, as well as the competitive pricing and wide variety of products they offer. There is a wide variety of arts, and crafts, floral products, paintings, framed artwork, quilts, crocheted items, needlepoint, and more.

4. Fabric and Craft Shop: Joann

A "Create-It-Yourself" Superstore, Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. is a national leader in the arts and crafts, home accessories and decor, and sewing product categories. It operates brick-and-mortar stores in about a thousand places across the United States and has a comprehensive web presence. Supplies for knitting, crocheting, candle and soap making, fine art, art and photo storage, and more are on hand.

5. Shops Like Michael's

Michaels is a leading arts and crafts supply chain in the United States, with more than 500 locations. Do-it-yourselfers will like the extensive options of things for General Crafts, Home Decorations, Framing Supplies and Services, and other art and hobby supplies. It does not take orders online but rather provides details about products as well as sales and specials that are currently running in stores. Customers can use the website to find the location of a store near them and create an online shopping list account to take with them when they shop.