British Aesthetic Movement

One of the most remarkable movements in the history of interior design is the British Aesthetic Movement, which began in the late 19th century. It was a reaction against the vulgarity of Victorian mass-produced goods, a love of beauty for beauty's sake. Advocates of the movement (known as Aesthetes) emphasized craftsmanship, embraced mysterious influences and argued that the environment had a direct effect on the soul. As Oscar Wilde famously said, "I am afraid I find it too difficult to live up to my blue china" (a phrase that perfectly sums up the movement),

If anything, the furniture of th...