Carpets and tapestries in the Arts & Crafts style of William Morris / Morris & Co.

William Morris (1834-1896) was an English designer, writer, and socialist activist who is widely regarded as one of the most important figures of the Arts and Crafts movement.

Morris was born in Walthamstow, Essex, to a wealthy family. He attended Oxford University, where he became interested in the works of John Ruskin, a prominent critic of industrialization and advocate for traditional craftsmanship. After graduating, Morris began a career in architecture, but soon shifted his focus to design, in 1861 founding the decorative arts company Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. (renamed Morris & Co. in 1875).

At Morris & Co., Morris designed and produced a wide range of decorative arts, including stained glass, wallpaper, and textiles, all of which were created using traditional craftsmanship techniques. He also designed furniture and other household objects, such as the iconic Morris chair.

In addition to his work as a designer, Morris was also more... a prolific writer and poet, and he played an important role in the Socialist League and other left-wing political organizations. He advocated for workers' rights and was a vocal critic of the negative impact of industrialization on the environment and society.

Morris continued to be active in the Arts and Crafts movement until his death in 1896. His legacy has been significant, as his work helped to inspire a renewed interest in traditional craftsmanship and design, and his writings and political activism continue to influence social and environmental movements today. less...