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English Arts & Crafts Furniture: Projects & Techniques for the Modern Maker
"Arts & Crafts" has come to be a name for a style of decorative arts, but just try to pin it down. It's a huge challenge, because it encompasses such a broad variety of work. Early pieces, such as some of those by William Morris, draw from more ornate Victorian artifacts. Contrast these with the simpler, medieval-inspired work of Morris, the austere elegance of chairs and built-in cabinetry by Voysey, or furniture produced by the Barnsleys--never mind the clear Art Nouveau influences in much of Mackintosh's work. It quickly becomes clear just how broad this period in design history really is.
English Arts & Crafts Furniture explores the Arts & Crafts movement with a unique perspective on furniture designs inspired by English Arts & Crafts designers. Through examination of details and techniques as well as projects, you'll learn what sets English Arts & Crafts apart and gain a deeper understanding of the overall Arts & Crafts movement and its influences. In this book you'll
• Insight into the history and culture surrounding the Arts & Crafts movement
• An examination of influences that set English Arts & Crafts designers including William Morris, Charles Francis Annesley Voysey, Ernest Gimson, Ernest and Sidney Barnsley, and Charles Robert Ashbee apart from their American counterparts
• 3 complete furniture projects that illustrate traits representative of English Arts & a Voysey chair, a hayrake table designed by Ernest Gimson and a sideboard design from the Harris Lebus company, England’s largest furniture maker at the time
Equal parts design survey and project book, English Arts & Crafts Furniture is a must-read for any serious fan of Arts & Crafts furniture.
English Arts & Crafts Furniture explores the Arts & Crafts movement with a unique perspective on furniture designs inspired by English Arts & Crafts designers. Through examination of details and techniques as well as projects, you'll learn what sets English Arts & Crafts apart and gain a deeper understanding of the overall Arts & Crafts movement and its influences. In this book you'll
• Insight into the history and culture surrounding the Arts & Crafts movement
• An examination of influences that set English Arts & Crafts designers including William Morris, Charles Francis Annesley Voysey, Ernest Gimson, Ernest and Sidney Barnsley, and Charles Robert Ashbee apart from their American counterparts
• 3 complete furniture projects that illustrate traits representative of English Arts & a Voysey chair, a hayrake table designed by Ernest Gimson and a sideboard design from the Harris Lebus company, England’s largest furniture maker at the time
Equal parts design survey and project book, English Arts & Crafts Furniture is a must-read for any serious fan of Arts & Crafts furniture.
- GenresReference
144 pages, Hardcover
Published June 26, 2018
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 20, 2018
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
English Arts & Crafts Furniture is a powerhouse of a new project book from author Nancy R. Hiller and publisher F+W Media. I'm a collector of woodworking project books. Most project books tend to be straight to the point with pictures, materials lists and some tutorial info. This book is quite different.
The included projects are presented with comprehensive historical background on the creators and designers along with templates and rough isometric sketches. There are good clear tutorial photos showing construction details to fill out the accompanying instructions. Materials lists are complete and detailed. The historical and biographical information is what really sets this book apart. I was surprised to find how much I enjoyed reading it cover to cover and devouring the history and lore behind the pieces. I loved the old photos and seeing the furniture in its natural environment.
This is emphatically not a beginner's book. There is no hand-holding here. The instructions and tutorials presuppose a good working knowledge of woodworking along with access to a variety of tools. The projects are complex and quite demanding (but oh so gorgeous). The aesthetic of these pieces appeals to me on a visceral level.
The projects are interwoven with background information for each one and they get their own complete chapters in the book. By my rough count, a little less than 50% of the content is actually devoted to the projects; the rest is history, philosophy and biographical information. There are three projects included: Voysey Two Heart Chair, Harris Lebus Sideboard, and the Gimson Hayrake Table. They are all three beautifully made inspiring pieces and worthy of the effort.
One thing which is absolutely vital in design is understanding context and the philosophy behind the things we create. If the only criterion for making something on which to sit were functionality, we could chop a slice out of a tree trunk and call it a day. The furniture we use and love most on a daily basis didn't just spring fully blown into existence. It evolved and were designed (hopefully) with functionality and some philosophy and design. This book does a stellar job of speaking to that 'soul' of creativity and philosophy.
The author's writing style is somewhat academic but gently humorous and easy to read. The research and the historical notes are uniformly good. I'm very impressed.
The book is 144 pages, hardcover format.
Five stars
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.
English Arts & Crafts Furniture is a powerhouse of a new project book from author Nancy R. Hiller and publisher F+W Media. I'm a collector of woodworking project books. Most project books tend to be straight to the point with pictures, materials lists and some tutorial info. This book is quite different.
The included projects are presented with comprehensive historical background on the creators and designers along with templates and rough isometric sketches. There are good clear tutorial photos showing construction details to fill out the accompanying instructions. Materials lists are complete and detailed. The historical and biographical information is what really sets this book apart. I was surprised to find how much I enjoyed reading it cover to cover and devouring the history and lore behind the pieces. I loved the old photos and seeing the furniture in its natural environment.
This is emphatically not a beginner's book. There is no hand-holding here. The instructions and tutorials presuppose a good working knowledge of woodworking along with access to a variety of tools. The projects are complex and quite demanding (but oh so gorgeous). The aesthetic of these pieces appeals to me on a visceral level.
The projects are interwoven with background information for each one and they get their own complete chapters in the book. By my rough count, a little less than 50% of the content is actually devoted to the projects; the rest is history, philosophy and biographical information. There are three projects included: Voysey Two Heart Chair, Harris Lebus Sideboard, and the Gimson Hayrake Table. They are all three beautifully made inspiring pieces and worthy of the effort.
One thing which is absolutely vital in design is understanding context and the philosophy behind the things we create. If the only criterion for making something on which to sit were functionality, we could chop a slice out of a tree trunk and call it a day. The furniture we use and love most on a daily basis didn't just spring fully blown into existence. It evolved and were designed (hopefully) with functionality and some philosophy and design. This book does a stellar job of speaking to that 'soul' of creativity and philosophy.
The author's writing style is somewhat academic but gently humorous and easy to read. The research and the historical notes are uniformly good. I'm very impressed.
The book is 144 pages, hardcover format.
Five stars
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.
September 23, 2018
An unusual woodworking book in that the majority of space is devoted not to projects & techniques, but to philosophy and history. A consummate storyteller, Nancy Hiller really brings Arts & Crafts philosophy to light while also showcasing contemporary craftspeople who contribute to her projects. She mirrors the processes used by the historical crafts people she describes, using outsourcing and machinery where it is expedient. An education, even for those who aren't particularly interested in woodworking! Like most of her books, the emphasis isn't simply on products, but the cultures that produced those products. I'm really looking forward to her future books.
July 5, 2018
Wow! I have collected antiques for the past 45 years. This book is phenomenal in that it depicts craftsmanship as well as great photos. Yet, not only do the pictures enhance the presentation, but I also enjoyed the people involved and the history behind all. Recommend as a reference, history book or just plain interesting!
Many thanks to F & M and Netgalley for this experience!!!
Many thanks to F & M and Netgalley for this experience!!!
July 9, 2018
Simply outstanding—the projects are stunning and well-explained, and I especially loved Hiller’s discussion of the political, economic, and cultural forces that shaped late 19th century English furniture design.
May 6, 2018
Exquisite collection of contemporary English furniture. The books contains reference of history facts and the sketches of how to recreate some models.
March 5, 2019
A wonderful book, beautifully written. An excellent introduction to Arts & Crafts furniture.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews