Simplicity or Splendour: Arts and Crafts Living, Objects from the Cheltenham Collections

Simplicity or Splendour is the second to be published on the stunning collection of Arts and Crafts objects that are held at the Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum. The first, Good Citizen’s Furniture, focused on the comprehensive collection of furniture, whilst this publication examines the rest of these unique collections, which in June 1988 were designated as being of national importance.

In this book, the decorative arts relating to the person and to the domestic interior are given full attention. A magnificent range of objects is included: ceramics, jewellery, textiles, costume, glass, leather and plasterwork are all comprehensively covered. The depth and quality of these collections make this book an invaluable guide to the Arts and Crafts Movement for anyone with an interest in this subject.

Three accompanying essays explore the Arts and Crafts domestic interior, and define the Movement and its relationship to Art Nouveau and Modernism. They also examine the Arts and Crafts approach to dress and jewellery.

Featured Artists include:
Charles Ashbee and the Guild of Handicraft
Phyllis Barron
Michael Cardew
Walter Crane
Eric Gill
Ernest Gimson
Dorothy Larcher
William Morris
Marian Pepler
Alfred and Louise Powell
Gordon Russell
C.F.A. Voysey
Philip Webb
Henry Wilson