Rose Valley Conference Delves into the Arts & Crafts Movement
On November 6 and 7, 2021, the Decorative Arts Trust sponsored a one-of-a-kind two-day conference organized by the Rose Valley Museum. “The Arts & Crafts Movement from John Ruskin to William Lightfoot Price” was a sold-out success and attracted attendees from across the country.
The conference began with the 11:00 am dedication of the William Lightfoot Price Historical Marker across from where Price built his groundbreaking Thunderbird Lodge, the building in which the Rose Valley Museum is housed today.
William Price Historical Marker across from Thunderbird Lodge.
The Rose Valley Museum at Thunderbird Lodge.
Attendees then enjoyed lectures in the historic Hedgerow Theatre. George Thomas from Harvard University and CivicVisions, presented “The Philadelphia Narrative”: Frank Furness to Will Price and Beyond. After a lovely lunch, Jim Spates from the Ruskin Society of America, Hobart and William Smith College, and the Guild of St. George shared “Hand, Head, and Heart”: John Ruskin and the Origin of the Arts & Crafts Movement followed by a walking tour of Rose Valley architecture and reception at Thunderbird Lodge.
Camaredeil was the home of William and Emma Price. Originally built in 1876 for the manager of the nearby Grist Mill, Price expanded and remodeled the house from 1902 onwards.
Hedgerow Theatre.
On Sunday, Rose Valley Museum Curator Ryan Berley opened the day with his lecture “News from Nowhere”: William Morris, C. R. Ashbee, and the American Art & Crafts Colonies, and then Barbara Macklem from the Arden Craft Shop Museum presented “You Are Welcome Hither”: The Three Ardens and the Single Tax Community. After an outdoor luncheon, participants enjoyed a second lecture by Jim Spates, “Nothing Can Be Beautiful Which Is Not True”: Nature, Beauty & The Old Road Trip of 1882. The presentations were by a panel discussion with speakers and the audience moderated by Thomas Guiller from the Oneida Community Mansion House.
Sue A. Keilbaugh introduces speakers in Hedgerow Theatre.
Curator Ryan Berley lectures about the history of the Arts & Crafts Movement.
Update: Watch lecture recordings on the Rose Valley Museum’s website.
Visit the Decorative Arts Trust’s special programs calendar to learn more about this Arts & Crafts conference and other past and upcoming events.
About The Decorative Arts Trust Bulletin
Formerly known as the "blog,” the Bulletin features new research and scholarship, travelogues, book reviews, and museum and gallery exhibitions. The Bulletin complements The Magazine of the Decorative Arts Trust, our biannual members publication.