Location

London, 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 Oxford and Bristol are included. The program begins with one week of virtual class meetings prior to departure with the remaining 3 weeks on location.

Coursework

Students will examine the influence of nature in much of the work, 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, daily reflection 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, various book structures and binding. Final projects vary depending on course credit selection. In addition to the final project, there will be a 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 Hampton Court Palace, Transportation Museum, 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.

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. Students will stay in a single or double en suite dorm room with breakfast provided.

Students receive breakfast with their lodging. Students will be given an additional weekly meal stipend TBD.

Additional Items to Consider

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.0

Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors, and Graduate students, including non-JMU students

Beginning on Monday, June 8th, there will be virtual class meetings all week ending on Thursday, June 11th