Jewelry and Metalwork in the Arts and Crafts Tradition

This book provides the best study of Arts and Crafts-style jewelry and metalwork to date. Devised late in the 19th century as a reaction to industrialized manufacturing, the Arts and Crafts movement stressed naturalistic materials, designs and techniques. A resurgence of interest in this period has caused prices of items to rise. Collectors are buying Arts and Crafts goods as fast as they come on the market. The book begins with the British movement and traces the roots of this "new art" including its characteristics, materials, motifs, influences and makers' marks. Biographical sketches are provided for over 240 of the most influential British designers/jewelers/metalworkers, with discussions of the guilds, schools and commercial firms. The chapters move on to show the connection between the British movement and the European movements, including Art Nouveau, Jugendstil, Wiener Werkstatt, and Scandinavian as well as American Arts and Crafts movements. Similarities, differences and inter-relationships are discussed and illustrated with the work of many individual craftsmen and -women. In over 700 photographs, nearly 400 in glorious color, the success of these designs to provide fascinating and beautiful objects is demonstrated. The price guide will be of use to all.