Hopes and Fears for Art

Set against the Victorian backdrop, this work of art criticism by William Morris merges aesthetics with socialist ideals, reflecting the core of the Arts and Crafts Movement. Morris advocates for craftsmanship over mass production, inspired by the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and medievalism. He emphasizes the significance of handcrafted beauty in daily life and promotes a Utopian vision where art fuels social and economic reform. His passionate call for artisans to maintain their artistic integrity against industrialization underscores the transformative power of art, resonating through time.