Ford Madox Brown

Ford Madox Brown (1821–1893) was a British painter and designer closely associated with the Pre-Raphaelite movement and an important influence on the early Arts and Crafts ethos. Although not a formal member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, Brown shared its ideals of truth to nature, historical authenticity, and moral seriousness in art. His paintings, such as Work and The Last of England, are known for their vivid color, social commentary, and meticulous detail. Later in his career, Brown collaborated with William Morris and contributed designs for Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co., producing stained glass, furniture, and decorative schemes. His approach to design emphasized narrative richness, handcrafted quality, and the integration of art into everyday life. As both a painter and a designer, Ford Madox Brown helped lay the intellectual and aesthetic foundations for the Arts and Crafts movement, promoting the unity of fine and applied arts.