In so far as Britain was the cradle of the Industrial Revolution, it is not surprising to find her the birthplace of discontent with the results. The author lucidly traces the history of the revival of interest in handwork (which eventually became The Arts and Crafts Movement) from Wordsworth and Blake, via Pugin and Ruskin, to William Morris the genius who combined theory and practice to a uniquely high degree and gave form to it all. The 250 and more illustrations show a wonderful variety of items--furniture, pottery, silver, architecture, in a story that continues (as Mr. Lambourne shows) to the present day in Britain with past connections in Germany, Austria and Sweden as well as the United States. Collectors will find this book an inspiration as well as a goldmine; so much after all still survives. We also learn of the personalities of the many artists and craftsmen involved and can marvel indirectly at the way in which their work overcame so successfully the disadvantage of so much theorising.

The Architectural Press Ltd., £12.95

Antique Collector , April, 1981