British Modern Design Promotion Under Government Promotion

The Arts and Crafts Movement of the 19th century symbolized the beginning of the modern design in the country where the industry revolution originated. The spirit of the Arts and Crafts Movement, which combines the British traditions and nationalities, is to become the core value of British modern design – the Arts and Crafts Tradition. Under this tradition, design in Britain explores its own way of development, influencing as well as being infl uenced by designs in other countries. The upper class leaded the culture of the nation as a tradition in Britain. Thus design is also developed under the guidance of upper class value. Characterized by prudence, preservness and persistence to traditions, British designers are never easily affected by the outside world. A selective acceptance with reluctance guaranteed a design development concurred with the traditional value of the nation.At the turn into the 20th century, British designers, mainly middle and upper class elites, started their attempts to spread new design concepts around the country through various governmental and non-governmental organizations. In order to educate the lower class people and rescue the declining manufacturing industries, the government sponsored exhibitions and set up a few organizations to encourage industries and designers, as well as to boost the economy of the country, both financially and politically. These attempts did not get much result until after the Second World War, when the class distinction became vague and people's overall living standard leaped. Through the hard work of the CoID, modern design in Britain developed quickly ever since. However, a long lasting discrimination against applied and manufacturing industry reduced the vigour of the nation's entrepreneurial spirit. Fewer and fewer people take manufacturing as their career. As a result, the development of modern design did not bring an expected boost in industry, but the flourishing of creative industry itself. Design theory research, design education and design industry took the place of manufacturing to play a more and more important role in British economy. Along with the globalisation of the world economy, Britain is putting more emphasize on the development of service industry, pushing it forward to the world market. Creative industry as part of the service industry is well-promoted. The old "world workshop" is likely to be on the way of becoming the "world studio", integrating into a much bigger platform.