influence, they foresaw, would be destructive to their
system.
   y .The effect of this pressure from
   'without was to consolidate the membership of the firm,
   to kindle the common enthusiasm, and to establish a
   healthful freedom of criticism between the employers and
   the employed. The situation was a novel one, and as
   the work was carried farther and farther afield, the ideals
   rose to heights which were, at the beginning, unsuspected
   by the boldest member of the friendly circle,
                           The original intentions of the
  Firm  are best understood by reference to the circular
  letter., and as this is become an historical document,
  quotations from it are of real significance to those
  Interested in the development of the decorative arts.
  The composition of the letter bears traces of what has
  been called "the imperious accent" of Rossetti; but, as
  we know, after events more than justified the initial
  claims made by the artists.
                           The letter is headed by the
  first title of the Firm:
                           "Morris, Marshall, Faulkner
  & Company, Fine Art Workmen in Paint           Carving,
  Furniture and the Metals ;" and the names of e members
  follow in alphabetical order.
                           The document then proceeds:
  "The growth of decorative art in this country has now
  reached a point at which it seems desirable that artists of
  reputation should devote their time to it. Although no
  doubt particular instances of success may be cited, still it
  must be generally felt that attempts of this kind hitherto
  have been crude and fragmentary. Up to this time, the
  want of that artistic supervision, which can alone bring
  about harmony between the various parts of a successful
  work has been increased by the necessarily excessive
  ,outlay consequent upon taking one individual artist from
  his pictorial labors."


WVILLIAM    MlvORRIS


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