Location

London, Cambridge, Bath, England

Program Description

British Arts and Crafts Movement in London is a 4-week course that explores the history and impact of this influential movement. A reaction against the mass production of the industrial revolution, the movement championed a return to hand-craftsmanship and to assert the creative independence of individual craftspeople, believing the designer and maker should not be separated. The program will explore this belief and how it relates to current trends and practice within contemporary art and design. A wide range of experiences will include visits to world-renowned museums which offer an in-depth insight into the artifacts produced, workshops of book artists, letterpress studios and calligraphy, and cultural experiences in London. Day trips to Cambridge and Bath are included.

Program lectures take place online, via Zoom, between June 12-16. Students will arrive in London on June 18 and depart on July 10th.

Coursework

Students will examine the influence of nature in arts and crafts, materials used, patterns developed, typographic treatment, logos, and the lasting brand identity of the movement. Students will document their experience through various means such as photography, sketching, digital journal, etc. Lectures and readings will focus on the intent, and creative projects will emulate the beauty of the finished pieces.

Exercises/assignments will consist of students documenting or mapping their travel within the city, showing/explaining a process, pattern exploration through stamps (carving and using found objects), various book structures and binding. There will be one written assignment.

Location Description

All program activities will take place in and around London. London was the epicenter of the British Arts and Crafts Movement, influencing many similar movements throughout the world. The city is teeming with history and modernity, full of life and creative activity with the most world-renowned museums and cultural experiences. London is the perfect location to study the history and intent of the movement and its impact on contemporary art and design. Cultural visits will include the Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe, Kew Gardens, a river boat ride on the Thames, and of course, Afternoon Tea! Students will have free time to explore the city and surrounding areas outside of scheduled class activities.  

Day Trip-Cambridge 

A hub of innovation and creativity housing the University of Cambridge, an institution dating back more than 800 years, the city of Cambridge is a hotbed of history, architecture and heritage. As a group, we will visit the University of Cambridge Historical Printing Room and view the Gutenberg Bible, Europe’s first printed book with movable metal type. When it first appeared in the mid-15th century, the Gutenberg Bible marked the beginning of a revolution in human communications. Participants can also visit the splendor of the King’s College Chapel, the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, a boat ride on the River Cam to pass under the Bridge of Sighs, a bicycle ride around town, or pop into Fitzbillies for tea. There will be no shortage of things to do in Cambridge! 

Day Trip-Bath 

Bath’s compact, visitor-friendly center is overflowing with attractions to see on foot in one day, making it the ideal city break. Beautiful Bath has been a well-being destination since Roman times. Lying in the heart of the city you’ll find the Roman Baths – unbelievably well-preserved remains of one of the greatest religious spas of the ancient world and one of the most impressive historic sites in Northern Europe. Bath's stunning honey-colored Georgian architecture is straight from a Jane Austen novel. Participants can visit the Jane Austen Center, Fashion Museum, Museum of Bath Architecture, the walking Film Trail to view locations of movie backdrops, and fantastic food and drink. There will be no shortage of things to do in Bath!

Director

Dawn McCusker | mccuskdm@jmu.edu | Art, Design and Art History

Karin Tollefson | tollefkl@jmu.edu | Art, Design and Art History

Accommodations

Housing accommodations are centrally located and public transportation is easily accessible. Housing will be located in a quiet and safe area but also within walking distance of 80 percent of London's major attractions. Students will share rooms.

Daily meal stipends cover one meal for every day of the program. There is also an included group meal every week, at various restaurants.

Additional Items to Consider

• Lectures and some book making will begin the week before travel.
• Students will be required to have book arts kit, a laptop, a cell phone with camera or a separate camera for documentation.
• Each week will consist of museum visits, studio and workshop visits of art and design professionals, classroom instruction, and cultural tours of London.
• Two day-trips are planned, one to Cambridge and the other to Bath.
• Students will need an up-to-date passport.
• No visas are required.
• Cell phones will need a UK SIM card. Airfare to and from London is not included in program fee.

COVID-19 Location Information:

Each country has different requirements upon entry with regard to COVID-19. Please check this website for the most up-to-date information on what is required for the country (or countries) that are part of this program. Please note that this changes often, so we encourage you to check back frequently.

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.0

Open to all majors and academic levels