Introducing William Morris
Discover how in his own time Morris – a writer, activist and publisher as well as a designer – was acclaimed for far more than just memorable patterns.
William Morris
One of the 19th century's most famous names, William Morris is still renowned today as the designer of patterns such as 'Willow Bough' and 'Strawberry Thief'. But his wallpapers and textiles are only part of the story. Through developing many other products and working on interiors schemes (including one for the V&A's own café), Morris also mastered many other areas of design – as well as finding time to be a social activist and celebrated author.
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The V&A's hugely varied Morris collection reflects the impressive range of one of Britain's most prolific designers. There is a strong focus on Morris's celebrated designs for wallpapers and printed textiles, but other areas of his (and his collaborators') practice are also well represented, including tiles, stained glass, floor coverings, embroidery and furniture. Our collections also feature examples of Morris's publishing design for Kelmscott Press, as well as a number of his illustrated manuscripts.
Collection highlights
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The Bullerswood Carpet, designed by William Morris and John Henry Dearle, 1889, London, England -
(Inside) The wood beyond the world, book, designed by William Morris, published by Kelmscott Press, 1894, Hammersmith, England -
Wreath, wallpaper, designed by William Morris, manufactured by Jeffrey & Co., 1876, England -
Lotus, wall hanging, designed by William Morris, by Margaret Beale, 1875 – 80, England -
Honeysuckle, furnishing fabric, designed by William Morris, made for Morris & Co., 1876, Leek, England -
Strawberry Thief, furnishing fabric, designed by William Morris, made by Morris & Co., 1883, England. Museum no. T.586-1919. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
(Detail) Acanthus, wallpaper, designed by William Morris, manufactured by Jeffrey & Co., 1875, Britain -
Tile, designed by William Morris, by Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co., 1862 - 81, London, England -
Fruit, wallpaper, designed by Morris, William, published by Morris & Co., 1865 – 66, London, England -
Helen (Flamma Troiae), drawing, by William Morris, about 1860 -
Wall hanging, designed by William Morris, made by Ada Phoebe Godman, 1877, Yorkshire, England -
The Orchard, tapestry, designed by William Morris and John Henry Dearle, 1890, Britain
Features
William Morris and the V&A
An enthusiastic supporter of the Museum, William Morris played a part in both its decoration and the expansion of its collections.
William Morris textiles
Designing effectively for embroidery, printed and woven fabrics, tapestries and carpets demanded a hands-on understanding of process that Morris relished
William Morris and wallpaper design
Many of Morris's wallpapers are still used to decorate modern homes. But when they first appeared they struggled to win universal acclaim.
William Morris and historical design
William Morris thought machine-age Britain could no longer produce beautiful things. Looking to history for inspiration, he created what he saw as more 'honest', craft-based designs.
William Morris: literature and book design
William Morris was an accomplished writer as well as a designer, combining his love of words with design in calligraphy and page decoration.
The conservation of the Bullerswood Carpet
Find out how we look after the enormous, hand-knotted Bullerswood Carpet, designed by William Morris
The world's first museum café
The V&A Refreshment Rooms have been hailed throughout the years for their wealth and breadth of ornamentation, reflecting a range of contemporary design theory
Header image: Background image: Acanthus wallpaper, designed by William Morris, manufactured by Jeffrey & Co., 1875, England. Museum no. E.800-1915. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London