ABSTRACT
Within the last decade there have sprung into existence with great rapidity many associations styling themselves Arts and Crafts Societies, or assuming names adapted from that of the London Society of the same name, for the promotion of handicraft. The causes at the root of the Arts and Crafts "movement" which might be classified as genuine and useful are such as these: the natural impulse to use the hands and to produce something of use and beauty; weariness of useless and frivolous occupations; desire to unite with those who work with their hands and to find a common basis of life and interest with them; reaction against conventions which have assumed manual work to be undignified. Entirely good and beautiful art or handicraft requires the self-control and continuity of work done under some sense of obligation, together with the play feeling of work done for refreshment.
