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A listing of societies, which may be of
use to those with an interest in the arts and crafts movement.
This list is new and we would be grateful for any information
concerning errors and omissions.
THE VICTORIAN SOCIETY
The Victorian society was founded in 1958 and is an influential
pressure group for the protection and conservation of Victorian
and Edwardian architecture, plus the decorative arts of the
period 1837 - 1914. The Victorian Society is a nationwide
organization with a London headquarters and eight regional
groups. The society produces leaflets for owners interested
in sympathetic restoration of their houses, and arranges a
wide spectrum of events and activities for members and the
public. The society publishes a thrice yearly journal, 'The
Victorian'.
For membership details contact;
The Victorian Society
1 Priory Gardens
Bedford Park
London
W4 1TT
Tel: 0208 994 1019
Email: admin@victorian-society.org.uk
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THE VICTORIAN WEB
A web-based organization called The Victorian web are a
great source of information for all things Victorian.
Website: www.victorianweb.org
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WILLIAM MORRIS SOCIETY
This Society has an extensive range of lectures, talks and
exhibitions based around the life, work and friends of William
Morris. Most of the lectures are held at Kelmscott House,
where Morris lived. Members receive a quarterly newsletter,
a bi-annual journal and make use of the Societies extensive
library.
For membership details contact;
William Morris Society
Kelmscott House
26 Upper Mall
London
W6 9TA
Tel: 0208 741 3735
Email: william.morris@care4free.net
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THE ARTS AND CRAFTS MOVEMENT
IN SURREY
The Arts and Crafts Movement in Surrey exists to celebrate and foster interest in all forms of the art,
architecture and design of 'the Arts and Crafts Era'. The ACMS is also concerned with the conservation and
publicity of works relating to the period. Members will receive a quarterly newsletter, information regarding
lectures, exhibitions, study days and visits.
For membership details;
www.artsandcraftsmovementinsurrey.org.uk
enquiries@artsandcraftsmovementinsurrey.org.uk
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FURNITURE HISTORY
SOCIETY
The Furniture History Society is concerned with publishing
information on all aspects of furniture design and manufacture.
The society organises tours, visits and lectures. An annual
journal is published with regular newletters.
For membership details contact;
Dr. Brian Austen
1 Mercedes Cottages
St. John's Road
Haywards Heath
Sussex
RH16 4EH
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THE DECORATIVE ARTS
SOCIETY
The society aims to encourage the study and appreciation
of all aspects of the Decorative Arts in Britain, Europe and
America from 1850 to the present. The term 'Decorative Art'
is used in its broadest sense. The field covered ranges from
architecture, interior and industrial design and the graphic
arts.
Each year the Society organises day excursions, study weekends
in Britain and abroad, day seminars and lectures. Newsletters
are issued during the year giving details of forthcoming events
and general information - relevant exhibitions and auctions,
new publications, etc. The society also publishes an annual
journal of specialised articles which is issued to all members.
For membership details contact;
Administrator
The Decorative Arts Society
PO Box 39257
Blackheath
SE3 9UW
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THE WALLPAPER HISTORY
SOCIETY
The Wallpaper History Society promotes all aspects of wallpaper
history, preservation and production. The society has a schedule
of visits, lectures and tours and publishes a handbook.
For membership details contact;
Duncan Burton
49 Glenpark Drive
Southport
Merseyside
PR9 9FA
Tel: 01704 225429
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THE PUGIN SOCIETY
The society was formed in 1995, to celebrate the buildings,
decorative designs and writings of the great nineteenth century
architect, Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin.The Pugin Society
are a group of like minded people, intent upon promoting the
life and works of this extraordinary and prolific man. They
hold talks, lunches, lectures, tours, exhibitions and visits.
In 1996 they visited Pugin attractions in North Staffordshire
and in 1997 they visited Birmingham and surrounding areas.
In 1998 the yearly visit was to Leicestershire, and in 1999
they went to Liverpool and Manchester. In 2000 they visited
Hereford and Worcester. The Pugin Society endeavours to preserve,
protect and guard Pugin's precious gifts for our heritage.
For membership details contact;
Email: pamakapam@aol.com
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TILES AND ARCHITECTURAL
CERAMICS SOCIETY
The national society responsible for the study and protection
of tiles and architectural ceramics. The society provides
information, tours, publications, conservation, exhibitions
and research. For further information www.tilesoc.org.uk
For membership details contact;
Roger Hensman
37 Mosley Road
Timperley
Altrincham, WA15 7TF
Email: rogerhensman@hensman.fsworld.co.uk.
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CHARLES RENNIE MACKINTOSH
SOCIETY
The Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society was established in
1973 to foster interest in the work of this Scottish architect
who was born on 1868. He grew up in a city where he spent
his entire professional life as a practicing architect, eventually
becoming a partner in the firm of Honeyman, Keppie and Mackintosh.
Events are arranged for members throughout the year and there
are active groups in London, Harrogate and Bath. The society
newsletter is sent to all members regularly and tours of Mackintosh
properties in and around Glasgow are arranged. For further
information info@crmsociety.com
For Membership details contact;
CRM Society
Queen's Cross
870 Garscube Road
Glasgow
G20 7EL
Tel: 0141 946 6600
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LUTYENS TRUST
The Lutyens Trust is an educational charity which acts as
a source of information and help on the care and maintenance
of the works of Sir Edwin Lutyens, OM, KCIE, PRA.
The aims and objectives include: the promotion of research
and publication, to offer technical advice to the owners of
buildings etc., to offer advisory services on the authentication
of designs, to arrange visits, lectures, meetings and exhibitions.
Members will be kept in touch with activities via the newsletter.
The Lutyens Trust
Claire Hill
3 The Coppers
Holmbury St Mary
Surrey
RH5 6LQ
Tel: 01306 730487
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THE BRITISH SOCIETY
OF MASTER GLASS PAINTERS
The Society was inaugurated by Charter in 1921. Both as the
professional body for practitioners of stained glass in Britain
and as the focus for the study of stained glass history and
conservation, it seeks to promote interest in all aspects
of the craft and to act as in information exchange, The Society's
journal has been published since 1924.
For membership details contact;
Hon Secretary,BSMGP
P.O.Box 167
Ilkley
West Yorkshire
LS29 8WD
Email: secretary@bsmgp.org.uk
Tel: 0044 (0) 1943 602521
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THE ARTS AND CRAFTS SOCIETY
OF NEW YORK
Early in the 20th century, Central New York became an important
center for the American Arts and Crafts Movement. The Arts
and Crafts Society of Central New York is a non-profit organization
dedicated to the study of the Arts and Crafts Movement through
a schedule of lectures, symposia, tours and other educational
programs for the purpose of increasing awareness of this rich
cultural heritage and stimulating interest in its preservation.
Society objectives are:
- To preserve, document, and understand the artifacts and
ideals of the Arts & Crafts Movement.
- To accomplish these objectives, the society encourages
study groups in such areas as architecture, ceramics, glass,
furniture, books, and other topics.
- Support conferences, seminars, publications and exhibitions
relating to the Arts & Crafts Movement.
- Sponsor research and publication of Arts and Crafts material.
- To Work toward the establishment of an Arts & Crafts
research center to serve as a place of study, exhibitions,
meeting, and collection.
http://www.acscny.org/
THE GLASS ASSOCIATION
The Glass Association concerns itself with all types
of glass, including Arts and Crafts, and through its
visits, meetings and publications seeks to cater for
a wide range of glass interests from collector, dealer
and museum curator. The Society publishes a newsletter
and Journal.
For membership details;
Peter Beebe
50 Worcester Road
Alkrington
Middleton
Manchester
M24 1WZ
c/o
Broadfield House Glass Museum, Compton Drive, Kingswinford,
West Midlands DY6 9NS
Tel: Kingswinford (01384 812745)
www.glassassociation.org.uk
QUIMPER CLUB INTERNATIONAL
Is organised for and by dealers and collectors with
many chapters worldwide. For those interested in Quimper,
Desvres, Mailicorne, Nevers and Rouen.
For membership details www.quimperclub.org
THE TWENTIETH CENTURY
SOCIETY
The Twentieth Century Society was founded to protect
British Architecture and Design after 1914. Members
receive a newsletter 3 times a year and the Societies
acclaimed journal. Members also enjoy lectures, visits,
conferences and foreign tours.
For Membership details;
The Twentieth Century Society
70 Cowcross Street
London
EC1M 6EJ
Tel; 0207 250 3857
www.c20society.org.uk
THE SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION
OF ANCIENT BUILDINGS
Philip Webb and William Morris were the main founders
of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings
in 1877. From the start Webb devoted time to teaching
young architects the principles and methods of practical
conservation. The Society maintains that educational
tradition today.
For Membership details;
SPAB
37 Spital Square,
London
E1 6DY
Tel; 0207 377 1644
info@spab.org.uk
THE BEDFORD PARK
SOCIETY
The Bedford Park Society (a registered charity) was
founded in 1963 to protect the amenities of Bedford
Park and has been successful in saving the work of Shaw,
Godwin, Wilson, May and others.
The Society seeks to protect the amenities of the garden
suburb and is therefore primarily interested in matters
concerning the buildings, their setting, their maintenance
and appropriate development sympathetic to their architectural
and historic importance. The Society is not a residents'
association but is nevertheless keenly interested in
community matters affecting the amenities of the suburb.
The suburb has many buildings designed by Arts and Crafts
Architects, including Voysey, Godwin and Norman Shaw.
For Membership details;
The Bedford Park Society
31 Priory Avenue
Bedford Park, London W4 1TZ
www.bedfordpark.org
THE PRE-RAPHAELITE
SOCIETY
The Pre-Raphaelite Society is dedicated to the celebration
of the mood and style of art which Ruskin recognised and preserved
by his writings, and to the observation of its wide-ranging
influence. In co-operation with societies of similar aims
world-wide, it seeks to commemorate Pre-Raphaelite ideals
by means of meetings, conferences, discussions, publications
and correspondence, and to draw attention to significant scholastic
work in this field. First and foremost, however, it is a society
in which individuals can come together to enjoy the images
and explore the personalities of the Pre-Raphaelites and their
followers through the medium of fine art, the appreciation
of good design and the excellence of the traditional arts.
Membership enquiries:
Michael Wollaston
18 Floyd Grove
Balsall Common
Coventry
CV7 7RP
England
www.pre-raphaelitesociety.org
I can recommend two other sites that will be useful
to those with an interest in the Pre-Raphaelite Movement
A site dedicated to William Holman Hunt www.williamholmanhunt.com
A site with dozens of great Pre-Raphaelite links and information
http://www.dlc.fi/~hurmari/preraph.htm
THE NATIONAL TRUST
Many of the finest Arts and Crafts properties are owned
and managed by the National Trust. National Trust Membership
entitles members to FREE admission to over 300 historic
houses and 200 gardens. All members receive a free handbook,
and three issues of the national newsletter.
Telephone 0870 458 4000
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
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THE ECCLESIASTICAL
SOCIETY
The Ecclesiological Society, founded in 1879, is the successor
of the Cambridge Camden Society.
www.ecclsoc.org
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NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETIES
NADFAS is an Arts-based educational charity with over 330
societies and 90,000 members worldwide. At its core are local
societies, keenly interested in the decorative and fine arts,
who subscribe to the aims and objects of the National Association.
www.nadfas.org.uk
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COUNCIL FOR THE CARE
OF CHURCHES
The Council is a permanent commission of the Church of England's
governing body, the General Synod. Its principal duty is to
assist parishes to maintain their church buildings, contents
and churchyards. The Council publishes a wide range of specialist
and general booklets on the care of churches and churchyards.
It also advises on designs of new church buildings and encourages
new works of art and furnishings. It maintains a Register
of the work of artists and craftsmen interested in church
work, and maintains a Library on church architecture and related
subjects.
www.careofchurches.org.uk
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THE COMPER TRUST
An educational trust whose aim is to increase awareness and
recognition of the work of Sir Ninian Comper, 20th Century
church architect and furnisher, and to encourage and support
the appropriate maintenance of his work.
http://users.quista.net/jjpdesatge/comper/index.html
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THE AUSTRALIANA
SOCIETY
The Australiana Society Inc. is Australia's leading national
association of collectors, dealers and researchers inspired
by our arts and heritage. 'Australiana' is items of decorative
arts and historic interest originating in or relating to Australia,
for example, books, paintings, prints, photographs, ephemera,
furniture, ceramics, silver, jewellery, glass and other artefacts.
www.australiana.org
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THE BRANGWYN BAZAAR
This site has been started in an effort to raise the profile
of one of England's most talented designers, Frank Brangwyn.
Here you will find basic information about Brangwyn, where
to see his work, and what to read about him, news of exhibitions
and a periodic focus on particular works.
www.brangwyn.freeserve.co.uk
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THE ARCHIBALD
KNOX SOCIETY
Founded and organised by The Centre for Manx Studies,
this website has all the information currently available
on the subject of Archibald Knox.
Centre for Manx Studies
6 Kingswood Grove Douglas
Isle of Man, UK
IM1 3LX
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DESIGN HISTORY SOCIETY
The Society was founded in 1977 in response to the growth
of interest in this subject. It works to consolidate design
history as a distinct field of study through its annual conference,
newsletter, journal, and other events. The Society seeks to
encourage the development of a strong design history community
within which awareness of new research can be heightened.
For this reason we have also established an Electronic discussion
list which will facilitate the exchange of information, a
regional network, plus a number of new initiatives for students.
www.designhistorysociety.org
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ENGLISH HERITAGE
Members of English Heritage have free entry to more than
400 properties, receive a quarterly magazine, have the opportunity
to enjoy a diverse range of activities form lectures to cruises.
www.english-heritage.org.uk
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CENTRAL SAINT MARTINS
MUSEUM AND STUDY COLLECTION
The collection consists of a wide range of material, including
manuscripts, prints and books, as well as work and publication
by members of the Arts and Crafts Movements, such as May Morris,
Edward Johnston, Eric Gill and W. R. Lethaby. Other parts
of the collection feature Japanese Prints and work done at
the Central School mainly from the period 1896 to 1976. There
is also a large collection of books on all subjects taught
in the original Central School which is particularly rich
in visual material. The collection is searchable online.
www.vads.ahds.ac.uk
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THE LANDMARK TRUST
The Landmark Trust is a charity that rescues and restores
worthwhile historic buildings, and then gives them a new lease
of life by letting them for holidays. The trust promotes the
enjoyment and appreciation of such buildings, and the income
generated pays for their continuing maintenance.
www.landmarktrust.co.uk
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THE ASSOCIATION
OF HISTORIANS OF NINETEENTH CENTURY ART WORLDWIDE
Nineteenth-Century Art Worldwide is the world's first scholarly,
refereed e-journal devoted to the study of nineteenth-century
painting, sculpture, graphic arts, photography, architecture,
and decorative arts across the globe. Open to various historical
and theoretical approaches, the editors welcome contributions
that reach across national boundaries and illuminate intercultural
contact zones. The chronological scope of the journal is the
"long" nineteenth century, stretching from the American
and French Revolutions, at one end, to the outbreak of World
War I, at the other.
www.19thc-artworldwide.org
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UK HISTORY on
the INTERNET
This organisation has an enormous amount of material relating
to many aspects of British history. Internet based with 1000's
of links to relevant sites, and ideal springboard for research.
www.history.uk.com
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THE CHARLES
HORNER SOCIETY
A number of collectors, researchers and others involved in
19th- and 20th-century applied arts have expressed interest
in the formation of a Charles Horner Society. The society
has yet to be established formally, but the thoughts of several
Charles Horner enthusiasts are along the following lines.
A Charles Horner Society (probably with a web site) would
be a useful 'clearing house' for any relevant documents, photographs,
products etc that might enhance private or museum collections.
A photo archive library could be made available on the Internet
for researchers. This work could be sponsored by membership
fees (if this is the type of society we are thinking about)
and/or the effort of individual members.
www.charleshorner.co.uk
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GOUDA DESIGN
The reason for this site is simple - to share with you our
love of Gouda pottery. In doing so we hope to kindle your
interest and show a selection of photos from our collection
and from collectors around the world. We can only give you
a fraction of the information about PZH Gouda - N.V. Koninklijke
Plateelbakkerij Zuid-Holland and the many other Dutch "Gouda"
potteries. We don't charge a fee, produce newsletters or anything
else complicated - all the information on our site is freely
available to see and use as you wish.
www.goudadesign.co.uk
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PILIKINGTON'S LANCASTRIAN POTTERY SOCIETY
Pilkington's Lancastrian Pottery Society. An independent
Society formed for people who have an interest in and love
of Pilkington's Royal Lancastrian and Lancastrian pottery.
These web pages contain introductory information for new and
intending members. An application form may be completed for
intending members and a member of the Society will answer
e-mail queries. Information may also be found on forthcoming
events and Society sales etc. Museum of the Month - features
rare and unusual wares in local UK museums.
www.pilkpotsoc.freeserve.co.uk
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IMAGINATIVE BOOK ILLUSTRATION SOCIETY
IBIS was formed in 1995 by Geoffrey Beare, a collector and
Robin Greer, a dealer, each of whom have a wide-ranging interest
in the art of imaginative book and magazine illustration.
They recognised that as an art form, illustration is not receiving
the attention it deserves, either from our national museums
and galleries or from the academic community. They therefore
decided to see whether there were sufficient like-minded people
to form a society to promote interest in and further study
of this neglected art form. A limited initial trawl elicited
an enthusiastic response from potential members, both in the
UK and abroad, and at a public meeting on 6th June 1995 the
society was founded, its objectives agreed and an executive
committee elected. The society now has over 300 members. Institutional
members include the British Museum and the National Art Library.
www.bookillustration.org
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GEORGE ASHDOWN AUDSLEY
By the time the Audsley brothers had established their architectural
practice in the early 1860s, the Gothic Revival was a popular
choice for churches and dwellings. By the 1870s, large public
buildings, hotels, railroad stations, and offices were being
designed in the style. There was a pronounced tendency to
favor the picturesque with all manner of spires and turrets
appearing in asymmetrical arrangements. Bold colorations were
used which had no antecedent in the Middle Ages. Facades might
include stonework of contrasting colors, sometimes in combination
with brick.
www.members.aol.com/gaaudsley
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TALWIN MORRIS
Talwin Morris entered a flourishing Glasgow art scene and
became a friend and patron of some of Glasgow's most famous
artists and designers of the period. In 1897 some of his art
work appeared in The Studio in the exalted company of Charles
Rennie Mackintosh, Margaret Macdonald, Frances Macdonald and
Herbert McNair in a feature entitled "Some Glasgow Designers
and their Work". The article focused on the interior
decorations to his own house in Dunglass, on the shores of
the Clyde and included illustrations of his copper-work, a
fireplace decoration and stenciled arras hangings. Later issues
of The Studio illustrated his designs of jewellery, furniture,
and a stained glass panel and he was described as "a
designer of such originality and refinement". A bookcase
was illustrated in the Dekorative Kunst. His designs for a
bookcase and dining-room sideboard appear in a book carrying
one of his most impressive cover designs, The Modern Carpenter
and Joiner and Cabinet Maker. It was through an introduction
by Morris that Mackintosh was commissioned by Walter Blackie
to design the Hillhouse, at Helensburgh. A sconce designed
by Morris is on view there and a wooden cupboard with beaten
metal is displayed at The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum,
Glasgow. Morris also designed a gravestone for the Blackie
family.
www.archiemacsporran.com
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HENRY W TAUNT COLLECTION
Henry W Taunt was an important photographer who worked out
of premises in Oxford between 1860-1922. His main interests
were Oxfordshire and surrounding counties, the River Thames,
customs and local history. As well as being a landscape and
architectural photographer, Taunt was a keen observer of human
nature, recording the activities of ordinary people at work
and play. His photographs are owned partly by the NMR and
partly by Oxfordshire County Council. Working together, 13,800
Taunt images have been digitised and captioned to form a browsable
library. A series of themed exhibitions examine different
topics within the collection.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/viewfinder
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CENSUS ONLINE
Search 32,000,000 people! Includes images of the original
enumeration documents. Discover a person's address, age, occupation,
where born, relationships and who they lived with. The site
is used by genealogists, family historians, one name researchers
and anyone wanting to know more about their Welsh & English
ancestors in 1901. It can also be used to research hamlets,
villages and parishes to build a historical perspective.
www.census.pro.gov.uk
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HISTORIC CHURCHES PRESERVATION TRUST
There are some 18,000 Anglican parish churches alone in England
and Wales, and very many of other denominations. A lot of
them are approaching 1,000 years old; some, even more. Generations
of people have given their time, money, skill and strength
to constructing these buildings and beautifying them, to the
glory of God. Without proper care they decay, and they often
need expensive specialist conservation, which dwindling congregations
cannot afford. The Historic Churches Preservation Trust (HCPT)
is a charity founded in 1953, the leading body dedicated to
preserving these churches. To quote one of our trustees, His
Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester, "Public support
for this worthy cause makes a huge difference".
www.historicchurches.org.uk
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THE TEXTILE SOCIETY
This is an active Society which organises a number of events
for its members throughout the year. Visits to museums, private
collections and centres of manufacture and design take place
regularly. Study days and conferences, providing members with
the chance to meet informally and listen to a wide range of
speakers, have proved to be popular events dealing with both
historical and modern aspects of textiles. Each year the Society
organises what has become a major event in the field of textile
appreciation - the Antique Textile Fair. This event attracts
hundreds of traders and thousands of visitors. Every conceivable
aspect of textiles is available for purchase and a textile
valuation and conservation service is provided. During the
day a programme of lectures and demonstrations is also available.
The Society has a Collectors Group which is open to all members
who manage collections of textiles - either their own or those
belonging to colleges, historic houses etc. Its focus is to
discuss, informally, issues connected with the management
of collections.
www.textilesociety.org.uk
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CHURCH MONUMENT SOCIETY
The Church Monuments Society was founded in 1979 and offers
a focus for all who have an interest in church monuments of
all types and periods. It was conceived to encourage the appreciation,
study and conservation of church monuments both in the UK
and abroad The Society organizes biennial symposia, biannual
lectures, an AGM and monthly excursions. The Society also
organizes study groups and an information service.
The Society publishes an annual academic journal 'Church
Monuments' and a less formal, informative twice-yearly newsletter.
These publications are provided free to members, but maybe
purchased separately from the Membership Secretary.
www.churchmonumentssociety.org
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THE CHARLES HORNER SOCIETY
Charles Horner (born in 1837, died in 1896), the original
founder of the jewellery business, achieved much in his 59
years. With his innovative designs and undoubted marketing
skills, he laid the foundations of a thriving business, which
survived two world wars. It finally went into voluntary liquidation
in 1984, at a time when a large sector of British manufacturing
industry disappeared. A Charles Horner Society (probably with
a web site) would be a useful 'clearing house' for any relevant
documents, photographs, products etc that might enhance private
or museum collections. A photo archive library could be made
available on the Internet for researchers. This work could
be sponsored by membership fees (if this is the type of society
we are thinking about) and/or the effort of individual members.
www.charleshorner.co.uk
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THE ROYCROFTERS AT-LARGE ASSOCIATION
The Roycrofters At-Large Association was formed over 25 years
ago by a group of East Auroran's that included several descendants
of the early Roycrofters, including Elbert Hubbard's granddaughter.
The mission of the group, both then and now, has been to promote
the spirit of Elbert Hubbard and his early Roycrofters, and
to keep the Arts & Crafts movement alive on the Roycroft
Campus and throughout the world. Through the dedication of
this group of preservationists, the Roycroft Campus is now
listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
www.roycrofter.com/rala
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THE NATIONAL AMERICAN GLASS CLUB
The National American Glass Club, Ltd., is an international
organization for those interested in the study and appreciation
of glass, regardless of type, period or origin. The NAGC was
founded in Boston, Massachusetts as the National Early American
Glass Club in 1933 and is presently incorporated in the State
of Rhode Island as a non-profit educational organization,
IRS Code 501 c. (3)
www.glassclub.org
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EDGAR WOOD, MANCHESTER ARCHITECT
Edgar Wood (1860-1935) practised from Manchester about the
turn of the century and gained a considerable reputation both
in Britain and abroad, notably in Germany. British design
was then of European significance. His work is principally
domestic, but he designed several churches and small commercial
buildings. He worked as an individual designer, mostly with
only one assistant, and confined himself to the smaller type
of building that he could control personally. Although he
was active in Manchester for over twenty years, most of his
work is in nearby towns, such as Rochdale, Oldham and Middleton
(of which he was native), and in outlying districts such as
Bramhall and Hale. He contributed to Manchester in various
ways. He was a founder of the Northern Art Workers' Guild
in 1896, one of the major provincial societies within the
Arts and Crafts Movement; he was president of the Manchester
Society of Architects from 1911-12; and he was instrumental
in saving the colonnade of Manchester's first town hall, designed
by Francis Goodwin, which stood in King Street and was demolished
c. 1911. Wood raised a public appeal and prepared a scheme
for the re-erection of the colonnade in Platt Fields park,
and when this was rejected he drew up another for a site in
Heaton Park where the colonnade now stands, a magnificent
Ionic wide screen and a fine parkland feature.
http://manchesterhistory.net/edgarwood/home.html
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THE CHURCHES CONSERVATION TRUST
The Churches Conservation Trust was set up to care for Church
of England churches no longer needed for parish use. All our
churches are architecturally or historically important with
most Grade I or Grade II*. Set up in 1969, we now have over
330 wonderful churches. We warmly welcome visitors, whether
individuals or groups. Many of our churches are open daily,
some with custodians, but others, sadly, would be at too high
a risk from theft or vandalism so we have a keyholder nearby
to let you in.
www.visitchurches.org.uk
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THE ART WORKER GUILD
The Art Workers Guild was founded in 1884 at the Charing
Cross Hotel. It was the coming together of two existing informal
discussion groups, The Fifteen, composed of designers including
Walter Crane and Lewis F. Day, and the St George's Art Society,
composed of six architects, all but one of them pupils of
Richard Norman Shaw.
The desire to form a society such as the Guild reflected
a widespread desire to create social contact between members
of different artistic professions, for whom there was no existing
institutional meeting place. They were scathing of the hierarchical
divisions of the Royal Academy, where painting was elevated
above the other arts, as they were of the increasing emphasis
on 'professionalism' at the Royal Institute of British Architects,
which they viewed as antagonistic to the demands of artistic
quality. The architectural emphasis of the Guild was typical
of the way in which the Arts and Crafts Movement grew out
of the Gothic Revival, with its emphasis on a multiplicity
of design skills and craft trades through which buildings
might regain the unified richness of the past.
1884 was a significant year in British history, when Victorian
ideas of relentless material progress were challenged by exposure
of the appalling living conditions of many of the population,
and the established order was challenged from below as well
as being questioned from above. Much of the impulse that previously
had fed into religion was transferred to art, retaining a
moral seriousness and sense of mission that has characterised
the Guild.
As today, members were elected on the proposal of existing
members and on the strength of their work. During its early
years, the Guild attracted a highly distinguished membership
which included most of the prominent younger architects, painters,
sculptors and designers of the period. They often worked in
collaboration, on buildings such as the church of Holy Trinity,
Sloane Street (architect J. D. Sedding), or the Institute
of Chartered Accountants (architect J. D. Belcher), which
fortunately survive. Guild members were also prominent in
the reform of art education in the 1890s, when the new London
County Council established courses and qualifications independent
of the government teaching system. In contrast to its dull
and mechanical exercises, they emphasised 'learning by doing',
and challenged the class distinction between 'gentleman' designers
and tradesmen. Essentially, any practitioner who designed
their own work, whether they made it or not, was eligible,
but not those who only executed the designs of others. A class
of Associate Members allowed for non-practitioners who were
supporters of the Guild.
William Morris was a precursor of the Guild in his care for
materials and methods, his application of design skills in
a multitude of media, and his view that art had a valuable
role in improving the quality of life here and now, while
setting critical standards for still more radical changes
to come. Morris was not one of the founders (his socialism
was too extreme for many Guild members), but became Master
in 1892.
While its members were active in many aspects of public life,
the Guild decided at an early stage that its stability depended
on staying out of the public eye. It had little 'infrastructure'
and we would recognise it today as a networking organisation.
Its meetings were not reported in the press, and members felt
free to speak their minds on a variety of topics. The function
of exhibiting was taken over by the Arts and Crafts Exhibition
Society, founded in 1888, which had a considerable shared
membership, although unlike the Guild (at least until 1966),
it included women members.
In 1899, members of the Guild wrote, designed and performed
a dramatic pageant, Beauty's Awakening, A Masque of Winter
and Spring, the London Guildhall. This was an attempt to show
how London had the potential to become a great artistic city,
if only its civic administration would recognise the value
of the arts to all the citizens. The critic P. G. Konody described
it as 'the finest and most completely satisfactory artistic
spectacle ever witnessed by a London audience.' Such a public
effort was never repeated, although the Guild established
a tradition of 'Revels' performed for its own members and
their friends.
After 1900, the heyday of the Arts and Crafts Movement was
beginning slowly to fade. Many Guild members established,
for the first time, a conservative attitude in the face of
new ideas and styles. Many of the original members were still
living in 1914, and several were prosperous enough to support
the acquisition of property for the first time. The architects
Dunbar Smith and Cecil Brewer had an office in the front of
the early Georgian house at 6 Queen Square, Bloomsbury, and
when they heard that the freehold was for sale, encouraged
the Guild to buy it. The back part of the building was reconstructed
as a meeting hall, designed by F. W. Troup and inaugurated
on 22nd April 1914. It is furnished with rush-seated chairs
to a pattern originally made in Herefordshire in the 1880s
by Philip Clisset, and afterwards copied by Ernest Gimson
and his successors. The names of all members up to 2000 are
painted on a frieze, with those who have died while members
of the Guild gilded.
Ownership of property undoubtedly helped the Guild to survive
into the 21st century. The rents from the upper part of the
front building and from lettings of the hall have supplemented
subscription income and allowed the Guild to remain close
to its original formula, with under 300 members attending
regular fortnightly meetings to hear lectures. The Master
serves for a single calendar year, and is supported by two
honorary secretaries. They conduct the formal business of
meetings in robes designed by the architect C. F. A. Voysey.
The Guild employs a part-time Secretary and a Housekeeper,
but otherwise its administration is carried out by honorary
officers, a committee and a smaller body of trustees. Summer
outings are a regular feature of the calendar, and revels
and pantomimes were revived in the 1990s. The Guild produces
a biannual 'Proceedings and Notes', based on the minutes of
its meetings. The archives of the Guild are held at 6 Queen
Square and are available to students by appointment. The Guild
has a library based on works by and about its members, and
a collection of portraits of past masters hung in the Hall,
Library and Committee Room.
www.artworkersguild.org
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SOME WEB BASED SOCIETIES
THE KEITH MURRAY
SOCIETY
www.keithmurray.net
AMERICAN ART POTTERY ASSOCIATION
www.amartpot.org
THE PEWTER SOCIETY
www.pewtersociety.org
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