The greatest foe to art is luxury, art cannot live in its atmosphere

The greatest foe to art is luxury, art cannot live in its atmosphere

William Morris, a prominent figure in the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th century, was a staunch advocate for the preservation of traditional craftsmanship and the rejection of mass-produced, industrialized goods. He believed that art should be created with integrity and purpose, and that true beauty could only be achieved through the labor of skilled artisans who took pride in their work.

In his essay "The Lesser Arts" Morris argued that the greatest foe to art is luxury, as it creates an atmosphere that is antithetical to the principles of true artistic expression. Luxury, in Morris's view, is synonymous with excess, extravagance, and a lack of appreciation for the value of labor and craftsmanship. It is a mindset that prioritizes material wealth and status over the intrinsic worth of art and the creative process.

Morris believed that art should be accessible to all, not just the wealthy elite who could afford to commission expensive works of art. He saw luxury as a barrier to the democratization of art, as it created a divide between the artist and the audience, and perpetuated a culture of exclusivity and elitism.

For Morris, art was not just a decorative accessory or a status symbol, but a reflection of the values and beliefs of society. He believed that art had the power to inspire social change and promote a more just and equitable world. By rejecting luxury and embracing simplicity, Morris sought to create a new aesthetic that was rooted in the principles of honesty, integrity, and authenticity.

In his own work as a designer, Morris sought to revive the traditional techniques of medieval craftsmanship and bring beauty and meaning back into everyday objects. He founded the Morris & Co. design firm, which produced a wide range of textiles, wallpapers, and furniture that were characterized by their intricate patterns, rich colors, and handcrafted quality.