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A listing of societies, which may be of use to those with an interest in the arts and crafts movement. This list is new and we would be grateful for any information concerning errors and omissions.

THE VICTORIAN SOCIETY

The Victorian society was founded in 1958 and is an influential pressure group for the protection and conservation of Victorian and Edwardian architecture, plus the decorative arts of the period 1837 - 1914. The Victorian Society is a nationwide organization with a London headquarters and eight regional groups. The society produces leaflets for owners interested in sympathetic restoration of their houses, and arranges a wide spectrum of events and activities for members and the public. The society publishes a thrice yearly journal, 'The Victorian'.

For membership details contact;
The Victorian Society
1 Priory Gardens
Bedford Park
London
W4 1TT

Tel: 0208 994 1019

Email: admin@victorian-society.org.uk

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THE VICTORIAN WEB

A web-based organization called The Victorian web are a great source of information for all things Victorian.

Website: www.victorianweb.org

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WILLIAM MORRIS SOCIETY

This Society has an extensive range of lectures, talks and exhibitions based around the life, work and friends of William Morris. Most of the lectures are held at Kelmscott House, where Morris lived. Members receive a quarterly newsletter, a bi-annual journal and make use of the Societies extensive library.

For membership details contact;
William Morris Society
Kelmscott House
26 Upper Mall
London
W6 9TA

Tel: 0208 741 3735

Email: william.morris@care4free.net

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THE ARTS AND CRAFTS MOVEMENT IN SURREY

The Arts and Crafts Movement in Surrey exists to celebrate and foster interest in all forms of the art, architecture and design of 'the Arts and Crafts Era'. The ACMS is also concerned with the conservation and publicity of works relating to the period. Members will receive a quarterly newsletter, information regarding lectures, exhibitions, study days and visits.

For membership details;

www.artsandcraftsmovementinsurrey.org.uk

enquiries@artsandcraftsmovementinsurrey.org.uk

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FURNITURE HISTORY SOCIETY

The Furniture History Society is concerned with publishing information on all aspects of furniture design and manufacture. The society organises tours, visits and lectures. An annual journal is published with regular newletters.

For membership details contact;
Dr. Brian Austen
1 Mercedes Cottages
St. John's Road
Haywards Heath
Sussex
RH16 4EH

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THE DECORATIVE ARTS SOCIETY

The society aims to encourage the study and appreciation of all aspects of the Decorative Arts in Britain, Europe and America from 1850 to the present. The term 'Decorative Art' is used in its broadest sense. The field covered ranges from architecture, interior and industrial design and the graphic arts.
Each year the Society organises day excursions, study weekends in Britain and abroad, day seminars and lectures. Newsletters are issued during the year giving details of forthcoming events and general information - relevant exhibitions and auctions, new publications, etc. The society also publishes an annual journal of specialised articles which is issued to all members.

For membership details contact;
Administrator
The Decorative Arts Society
PO Box 39257
Blackheath
SE3 9UW

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THE WALLPAPER HISTORY SOCIETY

The Wallpaper History Society promotes all aspects of wallpaper history, preservation and production. The society has a schedule of visits, lectures and tours and publishes a handbook.

For membership details contact;
Duncan Burton
49 Glenpark Drive
Southport
Merseyside
PR9 9FA

Tel: 01704 225429

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THE PUGIN SOCIETY

The society was formed in 1995, to celebrate the buildings, decorative designs and writings of the great nineteenth century architect, Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin.The Pugin Society are a group of like minded people, intent upon promoting the life and works of this extraordinary and prolific man. They hold talks, lunches, lectures, tours, exhibitions and visits. In 1996 they visited Pugin attractions in North Staffordshire and in 1997 they visited Birmingham and surrounding areas. In 1998 the yearly visit was to Leicestershire, and in 1999 they went to Liverpool and Manchester. In 2000 they visited Hereford and Worcester. The Pugin Society endeavours to preserve, protect and guard Pugin's precious gifts for our heritage.

For membership details contact;
Email: pamakapam@aol.com

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TILES AND ARCHITECTURAL CERAMICS SOCIETY
The national society responsible for the study and protection of tiles and architectural ceramics. The society provides information, tours, publications, conservation, exhibitions and research. For further information www.tilesoc.org.uk

For membership details contact;
Roger Hensman
37 Mosley Road
Timperley
Altrincham, WA15 7TF
Email: rogerhensman@hensman.fsworld.co.uk.

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CHARLES RENNIE MACKINTOSH SOCIETY

The Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society was established in 1973 to foster interest in the work of this Scottish architect who was born on 1868. He grew up in a city where he spent his entire professional life as a practicing architect, eventually becoming a partner in the firm of Honeyman, Keppie and Mackintosh. Events are arranged for members throughout the year and there are active groups in London, Harrogate and Bath. The society newsletter is sent to all members regularly and tours of Mackintosh properties in and around Glasgow are arranged. For further information info@crmsociety.com

For Membership details contact;
CRM Society
Queen's Cross
870 Garscube Road
Glasgow
G20 7EL

Tel: 0141 946 6600

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LUTYENS TRUST

The Lutyens Trust is an educational charity which acts as a source of information and help on the care and maintenance of the works of Sir Edwin Lutyens, OM, KCIE, PRA.
The aims and objectives include: the promotion of research and publication, to offer technical advice to the owners of buildings etc., to offer advisory services on the authentication of designs, to arrange visits, lectures, meetings and exhibitions. Members will be kept in touch with activities via the newsletter.

The Lutyens Trust
Claire Hill
3 The Coppers
Holmbury St Mary
Surrey
RH5 6LQ

Tel: 01306 730487

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THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF MASTER GLASS PAINTERS

The Society was inaugurated by Charter in 1921. Both as the professional body for practitioners of stained glass in Britain and as the focus for the study of stained glass history and conservation, it seeks to promote interest in all aspects of the craft and to act as in information exchange, The Society's journal has been published since 1924.

For membership details contact;
Hon Secretary,BSMGP
P.O.Box 167
Ilkley
West Yorkshire
LS29 8WD

Email: secretary@bsmgp.org.uk

Tel: 0044 (0) 1943 602521

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THE ARTS AND CRAFTS SOCIETY OF NEW YORK

Early in the 20th century, Central New York became an important center for the American Arts and Crafts Movement. The Arts and Crafts Society of Central New York is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study of the Arts and Crafts Movement through a schedule of lectures, symposia, tours and other educational programs for the purpose of increasing awareness of this rich cultural heritage and stimulating interest in its preservation.

Society objectives are:

  • To preserve, document, and understand the artifacts and ideals of the Arts & Crafts Movement.
  • To accomplish these objectives, the society encourages study groups in such areas as architecture, ceramics, glass, furniture, books, and other topics.
  • Support conferences, seminars, publications and exhibitions relating to the Arts & Crafts Movement.
  • Sponsor research and publication of Arts and Crafts material.
  • To Work toward the establishment of an Arts & Crafts research center to serve as a place of study, exhibitions, meeting, and collection.

http://www.acscny.org/

THE GLASS ASSOCIATION

The Glass Association concerns itself with all types of glass, including Arts and Crafts, and through its visits, meetings and publications seeks to cater for a wide range of glass interests from collector, dealer and museum curator. The Society publishes a newsletter and Journal.

For membership details;

Peter Beebe
50 Worcester Road
Alkrington
Middleton
Manchester
M24 1WZ

c/o Broadfield House Glass Museum, Compton Drive, Kingswinford, West Midlands DY6 9NS

Tel: Kingswinford (01384 812745)

www.glassassociation.org.uk

QUIMPER CLUB INTERNATIONAL

Is organised for and by dealers and collectors with many chapters worldwide. For those interested in Quimper, Desvres, Mailicorne, Nevers and Rouen.

For membership details www.quimperclub.org

THE TWENTIETH CENTURY SOCIETY

The Twentieth Century Society was founded to protect British Architecture and Design after 1914. Members receive a newsletter 3 times a year and the Societies acclaimed journal. Members also enjoy lectures, visits, conferences and foreign tours.

For Membership details;

The Twentieth Century Society
70 Cowcross Street
London
EC1M 6EJ

Tel; 0207 250 3857

www.c20society.org.uk

THE SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF ANCIENT BUILDINGS

Philip Webb and William Morris were the main founders of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings in 1877. From the start Webb devoted time to teaching young architects the principles and methods of practical conservation. The Society maintains that educational tradition today.

For Membership details;

SPAB
37 Spital Square,
London
E1 6DY

Tel; 0207 377 1644

info@spab.org.uk

THE BEDFORD PARK SOCIETY

The Bedford Park Society (a registered charity) was founded in 1963 to protect the amenities of Bedford Park and has been successful in saving the work of Shaw, Godwin, Wilson, May and others.

The Society seeks to protect the amenities of the garden suburb and is therefore primarily interested in matters concerning the buildings, their setting, their maintenance and appropriate development sympathetic to their architectural and historic importance. The Society is not a residents' association but is nevertheless keenly interested in community matters affecting the amenities of the suburb. The suburb has many buildings designed by Arts and Crafts Architects, including Voysey, Godwin and Norman Shaw.

For Membership details;

The Bedford Park Society
31 Priory Avenue
Bedford Park, London W4 1TZ

www.bedfordpark.org

THE PRE-RAPHAELITE SOCIETY

The Pre-Raphaelite Society is dedicated to the celebration of the mood and style of art which Ruskin recognised and preserved by his writings, and to the observation of its wide-ranging influence. In co-operation with societies of similar aims world-wide, it seeks to commemorate Pre-Raphaelite ideals by means of meetings, conferences, discussions, publications and correspondence, and to draw attention to significant scholastic work in this field. First and foremost, however, it is a society in which individuals can come together to enjoy the images and explore the personalities of the Pre-Raphaelites and their followers through the medium of fine art, the appreciation of good design and the excellence of the traditional arts.

Membership enquiries:
Michael Wollaston
18 Floyd Grove
Balsall Common
Coventry
CV7 7RP
England

www.pre-raphaelitesociety.org

I can recommend two other sites that will be useful to those with an interest in the Pre-Raphaelite Movement

A site dedicated to William Holman Hunt www.williamholmanhunt.com

A site with dozens of great Pre-Raphaelite links and information http://www.dlc.fi/~hurmari/preraph.htm

THE NATIONAL TRUST

Many of the finest Arts and Crafts properties are owned and managed by the National Trust. National Trust Membership entitles members to FREE admission to over 300 historic houses and 200 gardens. All members receive a free handbook, and three issues of the national newsletter.

Telephone 0870 458 4000

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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THE ECCLESIASTICAL SOCIETY

The Ecclesiological Society, founded in 1879, is the successor of the Cambridge Camden Society.

www.ecclsoc.org

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NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETIES

NADFAS is an Arts-based educational charity with over 330 societies and 90,000 members worldwide. At its core are local societies, keenly interested in the decorative and fine arts, who subscribe to the aims and objects of the National Association.

www.nadfas.org.uk

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COUNCIL FOR THE CARE OF CHURCHES

The Council is a permanent commission of the Church of England's governing body, the General Synod. Its principal duty is to assist parishes to maintain their church buildings, contents and churchyards. The Council publishes a wide range of specialist and general booklets on the care of churches and churchyards. It also advises on designs of new church buildings and encourages new works of art and furnishings. It maintains a Register of the work of artists and craftsmen interested in church work, and maintains a Library on church architecture and related subjects.

www.careofchurches.org.uk

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THE COMPER TRUST

An educational trust whose aim is to increase awareness and recognition of the work of Sir Ninian Comper, 20th Century church architect and furnisher, and to encourage and support the appropriate maintenance of his work.

http://users.quista.net/jjpdesatge/comper/index.html

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THE AUSTRALIANA SOCIETY

The Australiana Society Inc. is Australia's leading national association of collectors, dealers and researchers inspired by our arts and heritage. 'Australiana' is items of decorative arts and historic interest originating in or relating to Australia, for example, books, paintings, prints, photographs, ephemera, furniture, ceramics, silver, jewellery, glass and other artefacts.

www.australiana.org

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THE BRANGWYN BAZAAR

This site has been started in an effort to raise the profile of one of England's most talented designers, Frank Brangwyn. Here you will find basic information about Brangwyn, where to see his work, and what to read about him, news of exhibitions and a periodic focus on particular works.

www.brangwyn.freeserve.co.uk

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THE ARCHIBALD KNOX SOCIETY

Founded and organised by The Centre for Manx Studies, this website has all the information currently available on the subject of Archibald Knox.


Centre for Manx Studies
6 Kingswood Grove Douglas
Isle of Man, UK
IM1 3LX

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DESIGN HISTORY SOCIETY

The Society was founded in 1977 in response to the growth of interest in this subject. It works to consolidate design history as a distinct field of study through its annual conference, newsletter, journal, and other events. The Society seeks to encourage the development of a strong design history community within which awareness of new research can be heightened. For this reason we have also established an Electronic discussion list which will facilitate the exchange of information, a regional network, plus a number of new initiatives for students.

www.designhistorysociety.org

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ENGLISH HERITAGE

Members of English Heritage have free entry to more than 400 properties, receive a quarterly magazine, have the opportunity to enjoy a diverse range of activities form lectures to cruises.

www.english-heritage.org.uk

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CENTRAL SAINT MARTINS MUSEUM AND STUDY COLLECTION

The collection consists of a wide range of material, including manuscripts, prints and books, as well as work and publication by members of the Arts and Crafts Movements, such as May Morris, Edward Johnston, Eric Gill and W. R. Lethaby. Other parts of the collection feature Japanese Prints and work done at the Central School mainly from the period 1896 to 1976. There is also a large collection of books on all subjects taught in the original Central School which is particularly rich in visual material. The collection is searchable online.

www.vads.ahds.ac.uk

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THE LANDMARK TRUST

The Landmark Trust is a charity that rescues and restores worthwhile historic buildings, and then gives them a new lease of life by letting them for holidays. The trust promotes the enjoyment and appreciation of such buildings, and the income generated pays for their continuing maintenance.

www.landmarktrust.co.uk

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THE ASSOCIATION OF HISTORIANS OF NINETEENTH CENTURY ART WORLDWIDE

Nineteenth-Century Art Worldwide is the world's first scholarly, refereed e-journal devoted to the study of nineteenth-century painting, sculpture, graphic arts, photography, architecture, and decorative arts across the globe. Open to various historical and theoretical approaches, the editors welcome contributions that reach across national boundaries and illuminate intercultural contact zones. The chronological scope of the journal is the "long" nineteenth century, stretching from the American and French Revolutions, at one end, to the outbreak of World War I, at the other.

www.19thc-artworldwide.org

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UK HISTORY on the INTERNET

This organisation has an enormous amount of material relating to many aspects of British history. Internet based with 1000's of links to relevant sites, and ideal springboard for research.

www.history.uk.com

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THE CHARLES HORNER SOCIETY

A number of collectors, researchers and others involved in 19th- and 20th-century applied arts have expressed interest in the formation of a Charles Horner Society. The society has yet to be established formally, but the thoughts of several Charles Horner enthusiasts are along the following lines. A Charles Horner Society (probably with a web site) would be a useful 'clearing house' for any relevant documents, photographs, products etc that might enhance private or museum collections. A photo archive library could be made available on the Internet for researchers. This work could be sponsored by membership fees (if this is the type of society we are thinking about) and/or the effort of individual members.

www.charleshorner.co.uk

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GOUDA DESIGN

The reason for this site is simple - to share with you our love of Gouda pottery. In doing so we hope to kindle your interest and show a selection of photos from our collection and from collectors around the world. We can only give you a fraction of the information about PZH Gouda - N.V. Koninklijke Plateelbakkerij Zuid-Holland and the many other Dutch "Gouda" potteries. We don't charge a fee, produce newsletters or anything else complicated - all the information on our site is freely available to see and use as you wish.

www.goudadesign.co.uk

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PILIKINGTON'S LANCASTRIAN POTTERY SOCIETY

Pilkington's Lancastrian Pottery Society. An independent Society formed for people who have an interest in and love of Pilkington's Royal Lancastrian and Lancastrian pottery. These web pages contain introductory information for new and intending members. An application form may be completed for intending members and a member of the Society will answer e-mail queries. Information may also be found on forthcoming events and Society sales etc. Museum of the Month - features rare and unusual wares in local UK museums.

www.pilkpotsoc.freeserve.co.uk

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IMAGINATIVE BOOK ILLUSTRATION SOCIETY

IBIS was formed in 1995 by Geoffrey Beare, a collector and Robin Greer, a dealer, each of whom have a wide-ranging interest in the art of imaginative book and magazine illustration. They recognised that as an art form, illustration is not receiving the attention it deserves, either from our national museums and galleries or from the academic community. They therefore decided to see whether there were sufficient like-minded people to form a society to promote interest in and further study of this neglected art form. A limited initial trawl elicited an enthusiastic response from potential members, both in the UK and abroad, and at a public meeting on 6th June 1995 the society was founded, its objectives agreed and an executive committee elected. The society now has over 300 members. Institutional members include the British Museum and the National Art Library.

www.bookillustration.org

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GEORGE ASHDOWN AUDSLEY

By the time the Audsley brothers had established their architectural practice in the early 1860s, the Gothic Revival was a popular choice for churches and dwellings. By the 1870s, large public buildings, hotels, railroad stations, and offices were being designed in the style. There was a pronounced tendency to favor the picturesque with all manner of spires and turrets appearing in asymmetrical arrangements. Bold colorations were used which had no antecedent in the Middle Ages. Facades might include stonework of contrasting colors, sometimes in combination with brick.

www.members.aol.com/gaaudsley

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TALWIN MORRIS

Talwin Morris entered a flourishing Glasgow art scene and became a friend and patron of some of Glasgow's most famous artists and designers of the period. In 1897 some of his art work appeared in The Studio in the exalted company of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Margaret Macdonald, Frances Macdonald and Herbert McNair in a feature entitled "Some Glasgow Designers and their Work". The article focused on the interior decorations to his own house in Dunglass, on the shores of the Clyde and included illustrations of his copper-work, a fireplace decoration and stenciled arras hangings. Later issues of The Studio illustrated his designs of jewellery, furniture, and a stained glass panel and he was described as "a designer of such originality and refinement". A bookcase was illustrated in the Dekorative Kunst. His designs for a bookcase and dining-room sideboard appear in a book carrying one of his most impressive cover designs, The Modern Carpenter and Joiner and Cabinet Maker. It was through an introduction by Morris that Mackintosh was commissioned by Walter Blackie to design the Hillhouse, at Helensburgh. A sconce designed by Morris is on view there and a wooden cupboard with beaten metal is displayed at The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow. Morris also designed a gravestone for the Blackie family.

www.archiemacsporran.com

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HENRY W TAUNT COLLECTION

Henry W Taunt was an important photographer who worked out of premises in Oxford between 1860-1922. His main interests were Oxfordshire and surrounding counties, the River Thames, customs and local history. As well as being a landscape and architectural photographer, Taunt was a keen observer of human nature, recording the activities of ordinary people at work and play. His photographs are owned partly by the NMR and partly by Oxfordshire County Council. Working together, 13,800 Taunt images have been digitised and captioned to form a browsable library. A series of themed exhibitions examine different topics within the collection.

www.english-heritage.org.uk/viewfinder

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CENSUS ONLINE

Search 32,000,000 people! Includes images of the original enumeration documents. Discover a person's address, age, occupation, where born, relationships and who they lived with. The site is used by genealogists, family historians, one name researchers and anyone wanting to know more about their Welsh & English ancestors in 1901. It can also be used to research hamlets, villages and parishes to build a historical perspective.

www.census.pro.gov.uk

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HISTORIC CHURCHES PRESERVATION TRUST

There are some 18,000 Anglican parish churches alone in England and Wales, and very many of other denominations. A lot of them are approaching 1,000 years old; some, even more. Generations of people have given their time, money, skill and strength to constructing these buildings and beautifying them, to the glory of God. Without proper care they decay, and they often need expensive specialist conservation, which dwindling congregations cannot afford. The Historic Churches Preservation Trust (HCPT) is a charity founded in 1953, the leading body dedicated to preserving these churches. To quote one of our trustees, His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester, "Public support for this worthy cause makes a huge difference".

www.historicchurches.org.uk

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THE TEXTILE SOCIETY

This is an active Society which organises a number of events for its members throughout the year. Visits to museums, private collections and centres of manufacture and design take place regularly. Study days and conferences, providing members with the chance to meet informally and listen to a wide range of speakers, have proved to be popular events dealing with both historical and modern aspects of textiles. Each year the Society organises what has become a major event in the field of textile appreciation - the Antique Textile Fair. This event attracts hundreds of traders and thousands of visitors. Every conceivable aspect of textiles is available for purchase and a textile valuation and conservation service is provided. During the day a programme of lectures and demonstrations is also available. The Society has a Collectors Group which is open to all members who manage collections of textiles - either their own or those belonging to colleges, historic houses etc. Its focus is to discuss, informally, issues connected with the management of collections.

www.textilesociety.org.uk

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CHURCH MONUMENT SOCIETY

The Church Monuments Society was founded in 1979 and offers a focus for all who have an interest in church monuments of all types and periods. It was conceived to encourage the appreciation, study and conservation of church monuments both in the UK and abroad The Society organizes biennial symposia, biannual lectures, an AGM and monthly excursions. The Society also organizes study groups and an information service.

The Society publishes an annual academic journal 'Church Monuments' and a less formal, informative twice-yearly newsletter. These publications are provided free to members, but maybe purchased separately from the Membership Secretary.

www.churchmonumentssociety.org

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THE CHARLES HORNER SOCIETY

Charles Horner (born in 1837, died in 1896), the original founder of the jewellery business, achieved much in his 59 years. With his innovative designs and undoubted marketing skills, he laid the foundations of a thriving business, which survived two world wars. It finally went into voluntary liquidation in 1984, at a time when a large sector of British manufacturing industry disappeared. A Charles Horner Society (probably with a web site) would be a useful 'clearing house' for any relevant documents, photographs, products etc that might enhance private or museum collections. A photo archive library could be made available on the Internet for researchers. This work could be sponsored by membership fees (if this is the type of society we are thinking about) and/or the effort of individual members.

www.charleshorner.co.uk

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THE ROYCROFTERS AT-LARGE ASSOCIATION

The Roycrofters At-Large Association was formed over 25 years ago by a group of East Auroran's that included several descendants of the early Roycrofters, including Elbert Hubbard's granddaughter. The mission of the group, both then and now, has been to promote the spirit of Elbert Hubbard and his early Roycrofters, and to keep the Arts & Crafts movement alive on the Roycroft Campus and throughout the world. Through the dedication of this group of preservationists, the Roycroft Campus is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

www.roycrofter.com/rala

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THE NATIONAL AMERICAN GLASS CLUB

The National American Glass Club, Ltd., is an international organization for those interested in the study and appreciation of glass, regardless of type, period or origin. The NAGC was founded in Boston, Massachusetts as the National Early American Glass Club in 1933 and is presently incorporated in the State of Rhode Island as a non-profit educational organization, IRS Code 501 c. (3)

www.glassclub.org

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EDGAR WOOD, MANCHESTER ARCHITECT

Edgar Wood (1860-1935) practised from Manchester about the turn of the century and gained a considerable reputation both in Britain and abroad, notably in Germany. British design was then of European significance. His work is principally domestic, but he designed several churches and small commercial buildings. He worked as an individual designer, mostly with only one assistant, and confined himself to the smaller type of building that he could control personally. Although he was active in Manchester for over twenty years, most of his work is in nearby towns, such as Rochdale, Oldham and Middleton (of which he was native), and in outlying districts such as Bramhall and Hale. He contributed to Manchester in various ways. He was a founder of the Northern Art Workers' Guild in 1896, one of the major provincial societies within the Arts and Crafts Movement; he was president of the Manchester Society of Architects from 1911-12; and he was instrumental in saving the colonnade of Manchester's first town hall, designed by Francis Goodwin, which stood in King Street and was demolished c. 1911. Wood raised a public appeal and prepared a scheme for the re-erection of the colonnade in Platt Fields park, and when this was rejected he drew up another for a site in Heaton Park where the colonnade now stands, a magnificent Ionic wide screen and a fine parkland feature.

http://manchesterhistory.net/edgarwood/home.html

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THE CHURCHES CONSERVATION TRUST

The Churches Conservation Trust was set up to care for Church of England churches no longer needed for parish use. All our churches are architecturally or historically important with most Grade I or Grade II*. Set up in 1969, we now have over 330 wonderful churches. We warmly welcome visitors, whether individuals or groups. Many of our churches are open daily, some with custodians, but others, sadly, would be at too high a risk from theft or vandalism so we have a keyholder nearby to let you in.

www.visitchurches.org.uk

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THE ART WORKER GUILD

The Art Workers Guild was founded in 1884 at the Charing Cross Hotel. It was the coming together of two existing informal discussion groups, The Fifteen, composed of designers including Walter Crane and Lewis F. Day, and the St George's Art Society, composed of six architects, all but one of them pupils of Richard Norman Shaw.

The desire to form a society such as the Guild reflected a widespread desire to create social contact between members of different artistic professions, for whom there was no existing institutional meeting place. They were scathing of the hierarchical divisions of the Royal Academy, where painting was elevated above the other arts, as they were of the increasing emphasis on 'professionalism' at the Royal Institute of British Architects, which they viewed as antagonistic to the demands of artistic quality. The architectural emphasis of the Guild was typical of the way in which the Arts and Crafts Movement grew out of the Gothic Revival, with its emphasis on a multiplicity of design skills and craft trades through which buildings might regain the unified richness of the past.

1884 was a significant year in British history, when Victorian ideas of relentless material progress were challenged by exposure of the appalling living conditions of many of the population, and the established order was challenged from below as well as being questioned from above. Much of the impulse that previously had fed into religion was transferred to art, retaining a moral seriousness and sense of mission that has characterised the Guild.

As today, members were elected on the proposal of existing members and on the strength of their work. During its early years, the Guild attracted a highly distinguished membership which included most of the prominent younger architects, painters, sculptors and designers of the period. They often worked in collaboration, on buildings such as the church of Holy Trinity, Sloane Street (architect J. D. Sedding), or the Institute of Chartered Accountants (architect J. D. Belcher), which fortunately survive. Guild members were also prominent in the reform of art education in the 1890s, when the new London County Council established courses and qualifications independent of the government teaching system. In contrast to its dull and mechanical exercises, they emphasised 'learning by doing', and challenged the class distinction between 'gentleman' designers and tradesmen. Essentially, any practitioner who designed their own work, whether they made it or not, was eligible, but not those who only executed the designs of others. A class of Associate Members allowed for non-practitioners who were supporters of the Guild.

William Morris was a precursor of the Guild in his care for materials and methods, his application of design skills in a multitude of media, and his view that art had a valuable role in improving the quality of life here and now, while setting critical standards for still more radical changes to come. Morris was not one of the founders (his socialism was too extreme for many Guild members), but became Master in 1892.

While its members were active in many aspects of public life, the Guild decided at an early stage that its stability depended on staying out of the public eye. It had little 'infrastructure' and we would recognise it today as a networking organisation. Its meetings were not reported in the press, and members felt free to speak their minds on a variety of topics. The function of exhibiting was taken over by the Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society, founded in 1888, which had a considerable shared membership, although unlike the Guild (at least until 1966), it included women members.

In 1899, members of the Guild wrote, designed and performed a dramatic pageant, Beauty's Awakening, A Masque of Winter and Spring, the London Guildhall. This was an attempt to show how London had the potential to become a great artistic city, if only its civic administration would recognise the value of the arts to all the citizens. The critic P. G. Konody described it as 'the finest and most completely satisfactory artistic spectacle ever witnessed by a London audience.' Such a public effort was never repeated, although the Guild established a tradition of 'Revels' performed for its own members and their friends.

After 1900, the heyday of the Arts and Crafts Movement was beginning slowly to fade. Many Guild members established, for the first time, a conservative attitude in the face of new ideas and styles. Many of the original members were still living in 1914, and several were prosperous enough to support the acquisition of property for the first time. The architects Dunbar Smith and Cecil Brewer had an office in the front of the early Georgian house at 6 Queen Square, Bloomsbury, and when they heard that the freehold was for sale, encouraged the Guild to buy it. The back part of the building was reconstructed as a meeting hall, designed by F. W. Troup and inaugurated on 22nd April 1914. It is furnished with rush-seated chairs to a pattern originally made in Herefordshire in the 1880s by Philip Clisset, and afterwards copied by Ernest Gimson and his successors. The names of all members up to 2000 are painted on a frieze, with those who have died while members of the Guild gilded.

Ownership of property undoubtedly helped the Guild to survive into the 21st century. The rents from the upper part of the front building and from lettings of the hall have supplemented subscription income and allowed the Guild to remain close to its original formula, with under 300 members attending regular fortnightly meetings to hear lectures. The Master serves for a single calendar year, and is supported by two honorary secretaries. They conduct the formal business of meetings in robes designed by the architect C. F. A. Voysey. The Guild employs a part-time Secretary and a Housekeeper, but otherwise its administration is carried out by honorary officers, a committee and a smaller body of trustees. Summer outings are a regular feature of the calendar, and revels and pantomimes were revived in the 1990s. The Guild produces a biannual 'Proceedings and Notes', based on the minutes of its meetings. The archives of the Guild are held at 6 Queen Square and are available to students by appointment. The Guild has a library based on works by and about its members, and a collection of portraits of past masters hung in the Hall, Library and Committee Room.

www.artworkersguild.org

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SOME WEB BASED SOCIETIES

THE KEITH MURRAY SOCIETY

www.keithmurray.net

AMERICAN ART POTTERY ASSOCIATION

www.amartpot.org

THE PEWTER SOCIETY

www.pewtersociety.org

 

 

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email: John and Chrissie - theartsandcraftshome@gmail.com