As
industry and the city became factors of modern life, Swedish social
reformers called on artists to support the idea that all people,
rich and poor, were equal. Artists could help by designing beautiful
objects that everyone could afford. Beauty was seen not as a luxury,
but as a necessity that improved people's character and lives. Beautiful
surroundings caused one to work better and to feel better. Although
some artists worked toward this end, in reality most Art Nouveau
objects were too expensive for many people. Technological improvements
in ceramic glazes and design were more likely to be applied to objects
that had no function. Useful pottery was for the most part plain
and simple. The middle and lower classes could only afford imitations
of what the wealthy owned. Most Art Nouveau pieces were decorative
rather than functional, and available only as expensive, exclusive
items purchased by those of above-average means.