WILLIAM MORRIS

Along with John Ruskin he was a major impact on the developing Art Nouveau movement at the end of the C19th. Prior to this, Morris along with others was responsible for the revival of traditional skills, in the Arts and Crafts movement, England. This lead into the Art Nouveau movement pre WW1. Largely a reaction to the mass produced industrial era, these artists produced work in the tradition of the Middle Ages craftsmen. Taking responsibility for all facets of design through to ultimate production. The work was time consuming yet of great strength aesthetically.

GUSTAV KLIMT

A Viennese artist of the C19th greatly influenced by the Byzantine mosaics in Ravenna. He has been placed in the Symbolist school, which grew out of the Romantic movement. His beautiful and organic forms, rich use of texture, gold leaf and challenging concepts are a mark of the artist. His work is quite unique.

ALPHONSE MUCHA

Working in Paris at the end of the C19th, Mucha is largely remembered for his poster work. In particular those featuring Sara Bernhardt. He was influenced by the Byzantine style. His appreciation of exotic clothes and jewellery added to this. Mucha is firmly placed in the tradition of Art Nouveau, though a bit too radical for them. There is an opinion that his designs were a major contributor in the Metro entrances in Paris, attributed to Guimard. He was a superb artist whose use line and aesthetics along with his uncompromising nature produced work of great beauty.