Craft idealism as an influence on design : with particular reference to furniture and interiors

Abstract

In iniustrialised societies which are !:JecoIninJ increasingly reliant on ca:rprter te::hnology the proliferation of han::lcraft would seem to be an anachramism. 'Ihis phenomenon has been explored from the viewpoint of the discipline of design and !OClre specifically in the areas relating to interiors and furniture. Against the background of a survey of contemporary activity in South Africa the historical evolution of craft has been examined in an attenpt to trace the relevance of this recent occurrence. The quality of idealism has been identified in that category of craft which emerged fram the Arts and Crafts Movement of last century. 'Ihis idealism in concert with the crafts emanating from the earlier material cultures of southern Africa has been proposed as a possible influence on design. A practical component has been included in the study in the form of experiments in han:icrafting pieces of furniture. The intention has been to gain urrlerstanding of the process and assist in furtherirrJ this particular craft.