Arts & Crafts Carpets

Arts & Crafts Carpets

Haslam's ( The Real World of the Surrealists ) attractively illustrated volume focuses on Britain's late-19th- and early-20th-century arts and crafts movement, highlighting prominent designers and styles of handmade carpets. Much of the text is devoted to William Morris, whose Hammersmith style incorporated Gothic floral motifs and Persian medallions, and C.F.A. Voysey, whose Donegal carpets' harmonious, glowing color schemes were influenced by work from Turkey. The production process is presented: we see the grids on which designers planned colors and patterns, as well as photos of the weavers, who completed an average of 25 hand-knotted rows, or two inches of carpet, per day. Quotes from turn-of-the-century artisans, writers and critics provide sometimes passionate opinions of handmade goods, mass production and floral vs. geometric imagery. Color and duotone photos of lush carpets in exhibitions and in the home enliven the text, making for a leisurely browse that is both informative and a treat for the eyes.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The first volume solely on the subject, this book traces the development of late-19th-century British arts and crafts carpets into the early years of the 20th century. A major chapter is devoted to William Morris (1834-96), but many other artists and manufacturers are included, e.g., C.F.A. Voysey, Gavin Morton, and G.K. Robertson. Excellent color photographs of over 90 scarce carpets show the medieval, Persian, and Celtic influences upon the aesthetic of the movement. Numerous quotations and photographs from such contemporary periodicals as The Studio and Art Journal document the carpets pictured. There is a good Notes section, and the appendix includes structural and dye analyses but lacks weave construction diagrams. Highly recommended for academic and large public libraries.
- Therese D. Baker, Western Kentucky Univ . , Bowling Green
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.