article by Jim Hoyle

The Arts and Crafts era began in England during the late 1800's. Simple clean designs and individual craftsmanship that employed aspects of nature were the main characteristics of this design period. This new movement was in direct contrast to the mass production of products that was made possible by the industrial revolution. This new art, (Art Nouveau in French) was also many ways a relief from the lavishly ornate designs of the Victorian era which preceded.

The industrial revolution had dehumanized the process of manufacturing especially as it relates to home decor products. It broke down the work process into various components by processes called the "division of labor". Workers were able to work on only a portion of a complete product. The Arts and Crafts movement was a rebuttal of this dehumanizing process as it was concerned specifically with the human element of a person creating an entire product from start to finish.

The architect Augustus Pugin (1812-1852) was one of the first outspoken leaders in speaking against the dehumanizing aspect of the industrial revolution. He was followed by other proponents of these ideas: John Ruskin (1819-1900), William Morris (1834-1896) and Phillip Webb. Morris was the most popular name associated with this movement.

This new style of art spread throughout Europe and was named Art Nouveau (new art) by the French. Each country and region had its own styles and variations of this new art movement.

During the late 1800's, America was basically importing its artistic and home furnishings designs from England and Europe. Colonial and Shaker designs were the only truly American styles at that time. Gustav Stickley's simple and clean furniture designs exemplified the Arts and Crafts style in America.

There were a number of remarkable lamp companies of that period. Their products are very collectible and highly sought after today. Many of these collectible Arts and Crafts Lamps or Art Nouveau Lamps that sold for $ 15 - $ 25 in the 1920's may now sell for many $ 1,000's and much more.

Some of the lamp companies which are representative of the Arts and Crafts or Art Nouveau era are:
 
Tiffany
Handel
Pairpoint
Duffner & Kimberly
Edward Miller
Bradley and Hubbard
Pittsburgh
Moe Bridges
Chicago Mosaic
Cincinnati Iron Works
Classique
Consolidated
DIrk Van Erp
Aladdin
Daum Nancy
Jefferson
Rookwood Pottery
Roycroft
Wilkinson
Lightolier
Jeanette erson
Rockwood Pottery
Roseville
Roycroft
Wilkinson
Lightolier
Jeanette
Phoenix

Buy Arts and Crafts Lamps

- Jim Hoyle

Biography: Since 1979 Jim Hoyle has owned and operated Lamp Shades & Lamps Outlet  http://www.hoylelamps.com/  North Carolina's Most Exclusive Unique Lamps and Lamp Shades. Jim designs and manufactures fine cast metal table lamps and floor lamps and collects, buys, sells, repairs, rewires, restores, refinishes and appraises antique lamps from special acquisitions and estates worldwide. His company also specializes in lamp and home decor factory buyouts and warehouse closings. Comments and questions are answered personally. The company website contains a wealth of free information about antique lamps, shades and lighting.

Visit his lamp shop and store at 2233 East Main Street, Lincolnton, North Carolina about 25 minutes from Charlotte.

We do everything for lamps, shades and chandeliers - buy, sell, repair, restore, rewire, refinish, lamp appraisals.