Antique early 20th century oak and bevelled edge arts and crafts hand made mirror. This hexagon oak mirror, known as an over mantle or hallway mirror, is absolutely stunning ( see pictures illustration only). A very heavy, well made item. The mirror or plate, as it is known, has a fantastic distressed look. It would have taken years and years to achieve. A bevelled edge is always a sign of quality.
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some minor age related wear. Showing hung as landscape but could be hung portrait ( hooks will need moving).
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60 cm wide
52 cm tall
2 cm depth
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The Arts and Crafts movement was a design philosophy that emerged in late 19th-century Britain as a reaction to the industrial Revolution, advocating for well-crafted, hand-made goods over mass-produced items. Led by figures like William Morris, it emphasized traditional skills, honest materials, and the social value of the maker, seeking to integrate art and utility into daily life. Key characteristics include handcrafted items, simple forms, natural materials, and elements like visible craftsmanship.
Our arts and crafts – Permanent Style
Key Aspects
Reaction to Industrialisation: The movement was a response to the perceived decline in quality and artistry caused by machine-driven mass production.
Emphasis on Craftsmanship: It celebrated the skilled labor of individual craftspeople and promoted the creation of well-made, bespoke goods.
Social Reform: The movement was also a social movement that critiqued the dehumanizing effects of factory labor and aimed to restore value to the work of the individual, as inspired by John Ruskin.
Aesthetic Principles: Arts and Crafts design favored simplicity, honesty of materials (like wood, copper, and stone), and an appreciation for the inherent beauty of natural forms and historical styles.
Art for the Home: Proponents sought to create aesthetically pleasing and useful objects to be used in the home, believing that beauty and utility should be united.
Key Figures
William Morris: The most influential figure, he co-founded the firm "Morris, Marshall, Faulkner, and Company" to produce handcrafted items inspired by medieval craftsmanship.
John Ruskin: His writings on the social and economic effects of industrialization heavily influenced the Arts and Crafts movement.
Influence
The movement's influence spread internationally, impacting architecture, furniture, fashion, and art across Europe, the British Empire, and the United States.
It laid some groundwork for later modern design movements, including Bauhaus and general modernism.