Hi! i am in an arts and crafts class where I must write a paper arguing some aspect of the arts and crafts movement. However, I have had trouble finding a good thesis. Any suggestions? I first hoped to focus on textiles, but right now I am up for anything! Thanks!

Here are some books on the subject:

Parry, Linda, Textiles of the Arts and Crafts Movement, London, Thames and Hudson Ltd., 1988. Press, 1996.

Parry, Linda, William Morris Textiles, London: Weidenfeld and Nicholson, 1983 (New York, Avenel, New Jersey: Crescent Books, 1994).

Textiles of the Arts and Crafts Movement
by Linda Parry

Many of the books written about the Movement cover some aspects of the textiles of the movement.

Visit your local library or bookstore.

Fred

HI tofugirl,

If you want to use textiles, to forum an arguement you must narrow the subject further.
Perhaps design elements in textiles or fabrication techniques of textiles in the arts and crafts movement. Also you need something to argue against.

The arts and crafts movement was created in reaction to the industrialization of production and the consequent effects on society.

Therefore, you can argue the arts and crafts movements concept of textiles against the capitalists notions in relation to textiles.

I hope this helps. If you have any more questions feel free to email me. ecrouch@cnu.edu
I wrote my disertation on the arts and crafts movement in an arguementative format.

quote:

Originally posted by tofugirl:
Hi! i am in an arts and crafts class where I must write a paper arguing some aspect of the arts and crafts movement. However, I have had trouble finding a good thesis. Any suggestions? I first hoped to focus on textiles, but right now I am up for anything! Thanks!

I am an A-level student and i heve recently started a project based on whether you could consider textiles to be an art or a craft... maybe this could be a good idea for you

You could focus on rugs designed by William Morris. His designs influenced wallpaper, fabric for furniture, pillows. He is a giant in English Arts & Crafts. His philosophy is what influenced Gustave Stickley (Syracuse, NY) and others Americans.

You will find tons of information on William Morris. He founded the A & C movement as a
reaction against Victorian style such as Eastlake Victorian furniture--all ornate and carved by machines. That style of furniture was over the top for him. He hated all the layers of laces, the clutter and patterns of Victorian interiors. It was just too much excess for him.

Do a search of him on Google and look up the reproduction rugs commissioned by Jax and others.

A book could be written on this topic so good luck.

Bev.