When I was 21, I was encouraged to write my university dissertation on a house that I had known most of my life – Standen, built by the architect and designer Philip Webb between 1891 and 1894 in West Sussex. My uncle was the gardener there.

While studying for a degree in art history, I realised that the place where my cousins and I played as children was a vital site for understanding the politics of the Arts and Crafts movement, which grew out of frustration with factory-made goods in the late 1800s.

Webb used Standen to bring his socialist Arts and Crafts movement ideas to life. He focused on traditional craftsmanship, useful design and honest materials, making sure every object – from textiles to tiles – was carefully made by skilled workers. This was his antidote to the cruel capitalism and social inequality of the Industrial Revolution.

If you’ve found yourself turning to craft – to make sense of things, to slow down, or just to feel more grounded – it’s worth revisiting the philosophy behind the Arts and Crafts movement.

Hobbies can bring joy, wellbeing and focus to our busy lives, but so many of us don’t have one. If you’re ready to replace scrolling with stitching, or hustle with horticulture, The Hobby Starter Kit (a new series from Quarter Life) will help you get going.

Webb is often described as the “father of the........

© The Conversation