The Arts & Crafts Movement was an influential trend in the fine and decorative Arts which developed primarily in Britain from around 1880 leading to the 1920's or so with a focus on the hand crafted, folk arts; celebrating the traditional artisan and with an emphasis on socialism and belief in reform.

In the deep midwinter, long before Christmas lights sparkled in shop windows or calendars divided our days into neat boxes, the peoples of Northern Europe gathered to honour Yule: the quiet turning of the year.