Edward William Godwin (1833–1886) was a pioneering British architect and designer associated with the Aesthetic and Anglo-Japanese movements. Originally trained as an architect in the Gothic Revival style, he later became known for his minimalist and elegant furniture designs inspired by Japanese art, long before Japonisme became widespread in Britain. A frequent collaborator with figures like James McNeill Whistler, Godwin produced furniture, textiles, and interiors that emphasized refined proportions, subtle ornament, and craftsmanship. His work helped shape modern design principles and influenced the Arts & Crafts and Art Nouveau movements that followed.
