Arthur Romney Green facts for kids
Arthur Romney Green (born 1872, died 1945) was an English craftsman. He was famous for designing and making furniture. He lived and worked in Christchurch, Hampshire. His furniture was inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement. This style was popular in the 1880s, thanks to people like William Morris. You can still see some of his furniture today. It's in places like Christchurch Priory and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. His older brother was a well-known architect named William Curtis Green.
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Early Life
Arthur Romney Green was born in Alton, Hampshire. His father, Frederick Green, was a lawyer. His younger brother, William Curtis Green, became a famous architect.
His Career as a Craftsman
Romney Green first taught mathematics at Cambridge University. But he soon left to focus on his passion: designing and making furniture. He started his own business in Christchurch, Dorset.
His furniture combined clever geometric ideas with traditional woodworking skills. He was inspired by other famous craftsmen like Ernest Gimson. Romney Green also wrote a book in 1918 called Woodwork in Principle and Practice.
He liked to use wood from local areas. He would sell his furniture directly to customers, instead of through shops. This helped him keep his prices fair and connect with the people who bought his work.
Helping Others Through Work
Romney Green believed that small workshops could help solve unemployment problems. In the 1930s, he helped run workshops for people who didn't have jobs. During World War II, he hired soldiers who had been injured. He taught them woodworking skills.
He also offered apprenticeships, which are like training programs. Many of his apprentices later became master craftsmen themselves. He even offered places to boys who were struggling in school. This allowed them to learn a useful trade, feel better about themselves, and improve their reading and writing skills.
Lectures and Discussions
Romney Green also held essay readings and discussions at his home. Famous thinkers like Eric Gill and Bertrand Russell sometimes attended these meetings. He also gave talks at the Christchurch Adult School. He would speak about interesting topics, such as the poetry of William Morris.
Personal Life
Romney Green was married twice. He died at the age of 73 in 1945. He was buried in Christchurch Cemetery, where his second wife, Bertha, was also buried.
Legacy
Romney Green's furniture designs show the influence of the Arts and Crafts style. You can see examples of his beautiful furniture in places like Christchurch Priory, All Saints Church in Catherington, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
