William Morris. Lived 24th March 1834 - 3rd October 1896.
He was one of the most famous artists, craftsman, textiles designers and interior design advocates of the 19th century in Britain. He was a founder of the Arts and Crafts Movement and contributed extensively to the British textile arts, improving methods of production. His work dramatically influenced trends and fashions through the Victorian era.
Among his artistic skills, his creativity and passion for a beautiful, fulfilled life for all, he was also a poet, novelist, architectural conservationist, printer, translator, and socialist activist.
With a group of like-minded artists and craftsmen, responding to new machinery practices of manufacturing, William Morris founded Morris & Co. Utilising historic traditions of woodblock printing dating to the Medieval period, inspired by traditional patterns and designs, the firm produced wallpapers, tapestries, fabrics, furniture and stained-glass windows.
Today his woodblock printed wallpapers inspire interior design, homeware, fashion and gifting. He is most remembered for his iconic patterns such as ‘Strawberry Thief’ and ‘Willow Bough’, yet in his lifetime, Morris was most famous for his poetry. William Morris hoped his artwork would be adored and utilised every day, in homes and general life. Today they are seen as much in houses associated with his life, and modern homes, as well as art galleries and museums alike.
