Art's Impact on the Design World: How William Morris's Ideology Bridged the Gap from the Industrial Revolution to Art and Design Movements of the Early Twentieth Centur

Throughout history, art has typically been considered a luxury item. From fine paintings hanging regally in salons to intricate, handmade decorative arts, art was accessible only to the ranks of the elite---those who could afford art and its encompassing culture. It became a sign of affluence and success. William Morris and the Industrial Revolution were the two biggest reasons this thought process evolved and sharpened. William Morris was a man who loved art and wanted to be an artist so badly that he pushed himself to try every medium; in so doing, he bridged the gap between the art world and the design world. This study examines the journey art took through society and culture. Weaving its way into the design world and the modern man's grasp. William Morris' work changed the role of art from accessory, to a new part of everyday life.