The Arts and Crafts Movement was a late 19th-century design and aesthetic movement that emerged as a response to the Industrial Revolution and its negative impacts on craftsmanship and design. The movement sought to revive traditional craftsmanship and promote the use of high-quality materials in the creation of functional objects, emphasizing the importance of the handmade over mass production.

Led by influential figures such as William Morris, John Ruskin, and others, the Arts and Crafts Movement aimed to reconnect artisans with their work, promote social reform, and create objects that were both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The movement encompassed various artistic disciplines, including architecture, furniture design, textiles, and metalwork.

In the realm of silversmithing and silverware, the Arts and Crafts Movement had a profound influence. During this period, silversmiths and metalworkers began to reject the mass-produced, machine-made silverware that dominated the market. Instead, they focused on handcrafted pieces that showcased the skill and artistry of the individual craftsman. The movement emphasized simple, organic forms inspired by nature, and intricate detailing through techniques like chasing, repoussé, and engraving.

The Arts and Crafts Movement had a significant impact on silversmiths and silverware by advocating for the revival of craftsmanship, the use of high-quality materials, and the creation of handcrafted objects that combined functionality with artistic expression. This movement played a crucial role in shaping the aesthetics and values of silverware during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The use of high-quality materials and a return to traditional crafting methods became central tenets of Arts and Crafts silverware. Artisans embraced the idea of creating functional yet beautiful objects for everyday use, challenging the prevailing notion that design and craftsmanship were sacrificed in the pursuit of efficiency and mass production.

Notable silversmiths associated with the Arts and Crafts Movement, such as C.R. Ashbee and Omar Ramsden, produced silverware that reflected the movement's principles. Their work often featured hand-hammered surfaces, stylized floral motifs, and a commitment to the principles of utility and beauty.