The Industrial Revolution ushered in mass production, making goods more affordable and widely available. Yet, rather than eliminating craftsmanship, this era sparked a revival of handmade artistry. As factory-produced furniture and textiles flooded the market, the tastes of the elite began to shift. They began favouring handcrafted goods that reflected individuality and skill. This shift led to the Arts and Crafts Movement, led by figures such as William Morris. In this movement, people began to reject industrial uniformity in favour of traditional techniques. The movement emphasised the beauty of imperfection and the human touch, making a statement that mass production could not replicate it. Soon, middle-class households began incorporating block-printed floral wallpapers and furniture that was intentionally left unfinished, a design choice that highlighted its handmade origins. This historical pattern is repeating itself today.

As AI-generated designs become more widespread, the value of handmade work is on the rise. In an increasingly automated world, consumers are gravitating toward craftsmanship as a symbol of authenticity. This shift is not just speculative—it’s already being recognised by experts in the field. Krzysztof Pelc, who has studied the impact of automation on creative fields, argues that “whenever automation appears set to replace an artisanal skill, the market responds by revaluing the human touch.” AI, rather than erasing craftsmanship, is making it more desirable, pushing artisans to lean further into their distinctiveness. Sam Altman, the founder of OpenAI, echoes this sentiment. He states, “AI will not replace creativity. It will enhance it, offering new ways to explore ideas, but the fundamental spark of human ingenuity remains irreplaceable.”