Arthur Joseph Gaskin: A Birmingham Artisan Embraced by Myth and Craft Arthur Joseph Gaskin (1862 – 1928) stands as a pivotal figure in the Birmingham Group of artist-craftsmen, an influential collective dedicated to elevating decorative arts through the principles of the Arts and Crafts movement. Born in Birmingham’s Lee Bank district—the son of a decorator—Gaskin's upbringing instilled within him a profound appreciation for craftsmanship and artistic expression rooted in tradition. His formative years at Wolverhampton Grammar School followed by his return to Birmingham solidified his connec…