The Originality and Initiative: The Arts and Crafts Archives at Cheltenham - Softcover

'This is the third in an invaluable series of catalogues of the stunning Arts and Crafts collections at Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum... filled with fascinating photographs of items from the archive...' Arlis '...a splendid new book... the illustrations, both colour and black and white, are stunning. Additionally there are fascinating essays on Walker, Morris, Ernest Gimson, Sidney Barnsley and Paul Woodroffe...' The Bookdealer 'The illustrations are fascinating for all the previously unseen material and for the photographs of the people and places alone... an original and highly creditable publication.' Charlotte Gere, The Burlington Magazine '... this is a book which anyone likely to undertake research into the Arts and Crafts movement will find useful and welcome.' Christopher Wilk, The Furniture History Society Newsletter '... five fascinating and beautifully illustrated essays... Peter Cormack gives an elegantly succinct account of the work of Paul Woodroffe... For all those interested in the Arts and Crafts Movement, this book will provide both a visual treat and a treasure house of information and enlightenment.' Peter Howell, Journal of Stained Glass

When William Morris rented Kelmscott Manor in 1871, the Cotswolds became the centre for both the Arts and Crafts and the Private Press Movements and this is what connects the subjects of the five essays in this book: the printmaker and bibliophile Emery Walker; William and May Morris at Kelmscott Press; the architect-designer Ernest Gimson; Sidney Barnsley the architect and craftsman; and the stained glass artist Paul Woodroffe. This book is the third to be published on the stunning collection of Arts and Crafts objects that are held at the Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum. Unlike the previous two volumes which focused on traditional decorative arts collections, this book draws on the extensive archive of printed material to explore themes important to both the Arts and Crafts Movement and the Private Press Movement: the importance of design and workmanship, the dissemination of information and the pleasure of books. Using as their resource the Cheltenham archive of drawings, designs and photographic records, together with the Emery Walker Library, the authors provide a fresh look at the Arts and Crafts Movement.