Who was a major figure associated with the Arts and Crafts Movement?

William Morris was a foundational figure in the Arts and Crafts Movement, which emerged in the late 19th century as a response to the industrial revolution and mass production. The movement emphasized craftsmanship, simplicity, and the intrinsic value of materials, aiming to revive traditional handcraft techniques and promote design that was accessible and beautiful. Morris, a designer, poet, and social activist, championed the idea that art should be involved in everyday life and advocated for well-designed living spaces that reflected the harmony between utility and aesthetic appeal. His work in textiles, wallpapers, and furniture design significantly influenced the movement's philosophy and aesthetics, making him a pivotal leader in promoting the ideals of handcrafted quality over industrial production.

In comparison to the other figures mentioned, while Antoni Gaudi is associated with unique architectural styles, Thomas Sheraton contributed to furniture design in the neoclassical style, and Henry Hobson Richardson was known for his architecture within the Romanesque revival, none of them were central to the ideology and development of the Arts and Crafts Movement as Morris was.