W I L L I A M  M O R R I S

William Morris (1834 – 1896) was perhaps the most important British decorative artist of the 19th century. A prolific designer, craftsman and decorator, his work and ideas have had a major influence on the development of modern interior design.

William Morris was one of the most influential figures in the Victorian and Edwardian art world. As a young man at Oxford he became involved with the Pre-Raphaelite movements, mixing with such artists as Dante Gabriel Rossetti, William Holman Hunt and Edward Coley Burne-Jones.

Always a man of innovation, Morris soon tired of the subject matter and philosophy of the Pre-Raphaelites. His desire for social reform was also an important factor in his artistic growth and he moved on from painting to the creation of textiles, wallpapers, stained glass and highly decorative furniture. He also set up the Kelmscott Press as a medium for his writing and elegant book design. With Edward Burne-Jones, he set in motion the highly influential Arts and Crafts Movement – thereby implementing an incredible change in the vision of British art.

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William Morris Colours

Duck Egg, China Blue, Morris Green, Weld Yellow, Chalk White, Red Ochre and Madder Red.

Inspired by the large collection of Morris’ work in the Victoria and Albert Museum, these paint shades and their names are evolved from colours he used in many different media, involving interior decoration, furniture and textiles.

Tulip and Willow Design

This design was for Morris’ second textile pattern, which was registered in December 1873. When William Morris went up to Preston to print this design he was horrified with the results. Instead of using a genuine ...

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