Over the centuries, English decorative design has been notably influenced by nature, literature, theater, world cultures, and the tenets of various art and social movements. In particular, reaction against the Industrial Age (mid-to-late 1700s) brought forth a renewed appreciation for handcraftsmanship and design excellence, manifested in the Arts & Crafts movement.
With their exquisite textiles, wallpaper, carpet, tile, and architectural ornament, designers such as Christopher Dresser, C. F. A. Voysey, William de Morgan, and Owen Jones left their mark within and beyond England’s borders. Their work deeply affected the experience of beauty and quality in home interiors around the world.