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The Arts and Crafts Movement with its roots in the writings of A.W.N. Pugin contrasted the peace and harmony of a medieval city with the squalor and corruption of the 19th century metropolis in order to point out the evils of the Industrial Revolution. In his writings, particularly in Contrasts, Pugin made the crucial connection between art and society, equating bad art and architecture with a corrupt and diseased society. John Ruskin immediately took on this idea and championed the redemptive power of good fine art and architecture to inspire people to good deeds and life. In turn he influenced William Morris who in his writings and poetry idealized the medieval past as a time when men worked at their own crafts with a degree of independence and the men in charge were noble and honorable knights. Morris later came to believe that the equation was weighted the other way: unless there was honor, equity, and fairness in the world there would be no good art, but in his early writings and in the example of the work of Morris and Company he helped perpetuate the belief in the ability of art to transform and improve society. This attitude became an enormously strong influence on many Arts and Crafts architects and craftsmen, and continued to inspire artists well into the twentieth century - and even today.

Over the past decade the programs Arts & Crafts Tours has developed and offered have enabled a growing number of people to visit private homes, public buildings, and examine objects that represent the acme of British design; work that has had a powerful impact on artists and craftsmen in Europe and America. Brief descriptions of a few of these past programs are included.

If you don't see a program here that is just what you want, let us know so we can tailor one for you. The price for all this service will surprise you. Most likely it will be less than you imagine. If you're not sure you want to travel on a group tour, ask us about our developing an individual itinerary for your trip. Call us at 212 362-0761, we're looking forward to working with you.