DOI Artikel:
Wainwright, Shirley B.: Introduction
DOI Seite / Zitierlink: https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.41873#0017
INTRODUCTION
BEFORE a just estimate can be formed of the value and signific-
ance of the work accomplished by designers and craftsmen during
the period with which this volume deals, consideration must be
given to the exceptional difficulties which have had to be faced
by all concerned with the development of Applied Art.
These difficulties have proved far reaching in their incidence. For
example, the spending power of the general public has been seriously
diminished, resulting, to an appreciable extent, in modifications in the
prevailing mode of living and consequently in a change in the character
of household requirements. The heavy cost of labour and materials has
further intensified the necessity for a drastic revision of productive
methods, in particular of such as depend largely on skilled craftsmanship,
in order to meet the needs of the public.
Aiqong the wealthier section of the community the diversion of money
from the more cultured elements into the pockets of a different class,
endowed with somewhat crude tastes and a limited appreciation of beauty
in domestic environment, has introduced a factor seriously inimical to
architects and designers generally. It is doubtful whether at any time so
little encouragement has been given by wealthy citizens to individual
expression or intelligent and progressive thought in relation to the
esthetic equipment of the home. On the other hand the present genera-
tion has witnessed the steady growth of an educated middle class with a
keen and cultivated appetite for beautiful surroundings, but with a purse
too slender for indulging its tastes.
This development is likely to exercise an important influence on the future
of the domestic arts. Designers and manufacturers may here find a more
sympathetic and congenial atmosphere for their ambitions and activities
and be encouraged, as a consequence, to pay greater attention to produc-
tions within the reach of modest incomes, a tendency that would benefit
the community as a whole.
With ability and enterprise embarrassed for so long by unstable conditions
it is not to be expected that even the most able and experienced should
achieve entirely satisfactory results in a first attempt to solve the problems
that have presented themselves. There has been little opportunity for
continuous and progressive development, determining factors having
changed before any definite results have had time to emerge. In
a measure, therefore, the efforts put forth during the last few years may
prove barren of permanent value, though much has been accomplished
promising well for the future.
The various conditions referred to apply in general to all forms of indus-
trial and artistic endeavour in this country and abroad, with occasional
modifications due to local or national conditions. There is, therefore, a
1
BEFORE a just estimate can be formed of the value and signific-
ance of the work accomplished by designers and craftsmen during
the period with which this volume deals, consideration must be
given to the exceptional difficulties which have had to be faced
by all concerned with the development of Applied Art.
These difficulties have proved far reaching in their incidence. For
example, the spending power of the general public has been seriously
diminished, resulting, to an appreciable extent, in modifications in the
prevailing mode of living and consequently in a change in the character
of household requirements. The heavy cost of labour and materials has
further intensified the necessity for a drastic revision of productive
methods, in particular of such as depend largely on skilled craftsmanship,
in order to meet the needs of the public.
Aiqong the wealthier section of the community the diversion of money
from the more cultured elements into the pockets of a different class,
endowed with somewhat crude tastes and a limited appreciation of beauty
in domestic environment, has introduced a factor seriously inimical to
architects and designers generally. It is doubtful whether at any time so
little encouragement has been given by wealthy citizens to individual
expression or intelligent and progressive thought in relation to the
esthetic equipment of the home. On the other hand the present genera-
tion has witnessed the steady growth of an educated middle class with a
keen and cultivated appetite for beautiful surroundings, but with a purse
too slender for indulging its tastes.
This development is likely to exercise an important influence on the future
of the domestic arts. Designers and manufacturers may here find a more
sympathetic and congenial atmosphere for their ambitions and activities
and be encouraged, as a consequence, to pay greater attention to produc-
tions within the reach of modest incomes, a tendency that would benefit
the community as a whole.
With ability and enterprise embarrassed for so long by unstable conditions
it is not to be expected that even the most able and experienced should
achieve entirely satisfactory results in a first attempt to solve the problems
that have presented themselves. There has been little opportunity for
continuous and progressive development, determining factors having
changed before any definite results have had time to emerge. In
a measure, therefore, the efforts put forth during the last few years may
prove barren of permanent value, though much has been accomplished
promising well for the future.
The various conditions referred to apply in general to all forms of indus-
trial and artistic endeavour in this country and abroad, with occasional
modifications due to local or national conditions. There is, therefore, a
1