Architecture History Essay

Submitted By 吴崑-吴崑
Words: 558
Pages: 3

Kun Wu
AAH 120 - Section 1
William Morris, Architecture and History
1/27/2013

William Morris, Architecture and History

After reading the article William Morris, Architecture and History, I noticed that it is quite different how Morris’s opinion of architecture and history. It is more related to people’s living environment and societies’ problems, other than just visually arts. “It must be admitted that every architectural work is a work of co-operation.” (Morris, Architecture and History) In Morris’ opinion, architecture is not a box that shows a simple idea by a single man, it is a mixed physical form that contains different ideas, and different social conditions. The architecture won’t exist without the ancient architecture elements, and people’s thought, detailed division of labor and cooperation. From the article, in terms about history, Morris was very passion and agrees with the ancient architecture. In his view, the architecture in ancient time is a “story teller”, that we could learn so much from. However, it is really hard for people nowadays to view the true face of these architectures. “…But though we all feel this deeply enough, some of us perhaps may be puzzled to explain to the outside world the full value of this ancient surface.” (Morris, Architecture and History) As a member of the Art & Crafts Movement, William Morris has supported some restoration of craft organizations, however he has different opinions about the guild system. “He worked for no master save the public, he made his wares form beginning to end himself, and sold them himself to the man who was going to use them.” It sounds a little bit depressing but I think what Morris’ trying to telling us is that the guild system should not only be the same organization the entire time, besides, the system should develop with the society’s demand and people’s need. In nineteenth century, the industrial evolution has overwhelmed the whole world, there are massive of good and productions that drove the society both better and worse. Morris is the one who was against the industrial evolution’s idea. “Almost all goods, all except those made in the most domestic way, had now got to go through the market before the reached the users’ hands.”