How do the writings of John Ruskin underpin Morris Arts and Crafts Philosophies
John Ruskin held similar views as William Morris. ... Morris was John Ruskin in practice his theories and philosophies were fulfilled by Morris and throughout their lives the influence upon Europe truly showed through the Werkbund. ... William Morris was a strong believer that a poorer man involved in laboured work was more commonly adept to understanding the joys of labour and their produce than a wealthier man. ... 189 This statement in Wolfgang Kemp¡¦s book clearly states that Ruskin believes that a workman enslaved is no longer an individual and simply blends in with the building. ... In William Morris¡¦ case believing that hand crafted objects created a higher sentimental value as well as joy to the labourer becomes true in form when reading such evidence. ... William Morris was basically John Ruskin in practice. Morris never claimed originality for his ideas and was always willing to owe Ruskin his dues calling Ruskin his master. Morris¡¦ aim as a craftsman was to apply Ruskin¡¦s theories and principles laid down by Ruskin in ¡§the stones of Venice¡¨ called ¡§Nature of Gothic.¡¨ Morris thought this essay was one that was extremely important and ¡§one of the few necessary and inevitable utterances of the century.¡¨ Ruskin¡¦s principles were simply that ¡§Art is the expression of man¡¦s joy in his work¡¨ Jackson, Holbrook ¡§William Morris¡¨ p. 27 In regards to painting Ruskin¡¦s early theories were that the works produce must contain what is actually being viewed, as well as the artists emotions and feelings. ... Morris also followed this theory with his craftsmanship. ... With so many references to each other and their works or philosophies is hard not to admit that Ruskin underpins Morris¡¦ arts and crafts philosophies. ¡§when Ruskin published ¡§ The Stones of Venice. ... ¡¨ It became the bible to him (Morris), and years after he reverently printed it on the Kelmscott Press.¡¨ Jackson, Holbrook ¡§William Morris¡¨ p. 11 This statement is an important one in showing that Morris lived and breathed off Ruskin and his theories. Even if the theory was not one that many agreed on, Morris would read it anyway and begin to decipher its true meaning and perhaps be able to implement it in his design.