Arts & Crafts Houses I

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Summary: The origins of the Arts and Crafts movement
Review: These are three of the major works of the Arts and Crafts Movement beginning with the fabulous Red House which brought together many of William Morris' ideas in shaping this movement. Philip Webb worked with Morris to create this resplendent design, inspired by the earlier neo-Gothic movement, but pointing the direction to a new architecture. There are many fine color photos as well as key details of the house that give you a very good impression of this seminal work in the English Freestyle.

Lethaby and Lutyens carried the movement forward. They, along with C.F.A. Voysey, were the leading figures in the Arts and Crafts Movement, and shown here are their key works. The Melsetter House is a tour-de-force, stripped of most of the Neo-Gothic trappings, this house offers a more refined version of the English Manor House of the late 19th century. The site plan shows the beautiful configuration that Lethaby came up with to anchor the house on the large site with its radiating gardens. There are many beautifully detailed drawings, including molding profiles of the enormous fireplaces, which graced this mansion. But probably the most evocative photos and drawings are those of the chapel which was an extension of the main house.

Lutyens was a very eclectic architect, drawing on many classical themes as well as Neo-Gothic themes. Goddards represents a closer adherance to the Arts and Crafts Style, but in the introduction the author gives the reader a wide sampling of Lutyens' style. Goddards has elements of timber architecture and is more earthy in its appearance. The skewed wings open up the courtyard to the countryside beyond, and Lutyen's richly detailed chimneys rise as strong tower elements in the otherwise horizontal house. Lots of wonderful sections and detail drawings to give the reader a full impression of this manor house.

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Summary: A Steal at Twice the Price!
Review: This book, like Arts and Crafts Houses II, covers only three houses, in this case William Morris's Red House (designed by Phillip Webb), William Richard Lethaby's Melsetter House, and Sir Edward Luteyns' Goddards, but it covers them beautifully and thoroughly. There are site plans, floor plans, elevations, beautiful black and white photos and stunning color photos, significant introductory essays, and lists of references. This is a beautiful book at an amazing price.