The Arts and Crafts movement began as an instinctive reaction against the new industrial age. Seeking a return to simple craftsmanship, with traditional materials, its influence spread both to Europe and North America where the term craftsman denoted a traditional style of architecture and interior design prevalent before the 1920s. In England, the Arts and Crafts influence upon house building was far-reaching between 1870 and 1914. This was not least because its cosmetic (rather than ethical) details were copied by commercial builders. The result was some superb buildings by key architects like Norman Shaw and Voysey, but also a wide range of others ranging from simple terraces to the finest detached houses of the period. Trevor Yorke has written a practical introduction to the Arts and Crafts house.
