Antique large oak butler tray arts and crafts/ art deco design stunning handles made of brass and bakelite.
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Size: 60 cm wide 40 cm depth 3 cm tall
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Some age related wear, mostly patina, which shows it's age.
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The Arts and Crafts movement was a significant design and decorative arts movement that originated in Britain during the late 19th century and extended into the early 20th century. It arose as a reaction against the mass-produced goods of the Industrial Revolution, emphasizing hand craftsmanship, traditional skills, and aesthetic unity. The movement aimed to restore the value of craftsmanship and improve the quality of design, influencing various aspects of life, including architecture, furniture, textiles, and more.
Key aspects of the Arts and Crafts movement:
Reaction to Industrialization:
The movement emerged as a response to the negative impacts of mass production and the perceived decline The Arts and Crafts movement was a significant design and decorative arts movement that originated in Britain during the late 19th century and extended into the early 20th century. It arose as a reaction against the mass-produced goods of the Industrial Revolution, emphasizing hand craftsmanship, traditional skills, and aesthetic unity. The movement aimed to restore the value of craftsmanship and improve the quality of design, influencing various aspects of life, including architecture, furniture, textiles, and more.
Key aspects of the Arts and Crafts movement:
Reaction to Industrialization:
The movement emerged as a response to the negative impacts of mass production and the perceived decline in quality and artistic integrity of manufactured goods.
Emphasis on Hand Social Reform:
The movement also had social ideals, advocating for better working conditions for craftspeople and a more holistic approach to design that integrated art and life.
Key figures and groups:
William Morris:
Often considered a central figure in the movement, Morris was a poet, artist, and designer who founded the design firm Morris & Co. in 1861. His emphasis on craftsmanship, natural motifs, and functional design greatly influenced the movement.
Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society:
This society, formed in 1887, aimed to exhibit decorative arts alongside fine art, showcasing the work of craftspeople and promoting the movement's ideals.
Other notable figures:John Ruskin, Philip Webb, and C.R. Ashbee were also influential in the movement, contributing to its architecture, design principles, and social ideals.
Influence:
Global Impact:
The Arts and Crafts movement spread from Britain to Europe, the United States, and beyond, influencing various artistic and design movements, including Art Nouveau and the later modern design movement.
Legacy:
The movement's emphasis on craftsmanship, quality, and the integration of art into everyday life continues to inspire contemporary designers and artists. The Arts and Crafts movement is considered one of the most significant design movements in British history.
craftsmanship:
Arts and Crafts championed the skills of individual craftspeople and the beauty of handmade objects, seeking to elevate design to the level of art.
Focus on Functionality and Aesthetics:
While valuing beauty, the movement also stressed the importance of functionality and practicality in design, with objects designed to be both beautiful and useful.
Use of Natural Motifs:
Many Arts and Crafts designs incorporated natural forms and motifs, such as flowers, leaves, and plants, often stylized and treated as flat patterns.
Art Deco emerged as a prominent design movement in the 1920s and 30s, particularly after World War I, and is characterized by its geometric forms, rich colors, and luxurious materials. It represented a break from the preceding Art Nouveau style, embracing modernity and technological progress. The style's name is derived from the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris, which showcased the latest trends in design.
 
The image shows an antique wooden serving tray, likely made of oak.
Material and Style:
It appears to be made of polished oak, possibly in an Arts & Crafts or Edwardian style, given the handles and overall design.
Purpose:
These trays are commonly used for serving food and beverages, and some older versions were specifically designed as "butler's crumb trays".
Condition:
The tray might show signs of age and wear, such as bowing or imperfections in the finish, which is typical for antique items.
Similar Items:
You can find similar antique oak trays or butler's trays on platforms like Etsy and eBay, often categorized by period (e.g., Edwardian, Arts & Crafts).