The Art of Wallpaper - Morris & Co.

***** - The Times 

***** - The Scotsman

Explore the legacy of William Morris in over 130 original wallpapers from the Morris & Co. archives

William Morris (1834-1896) was a poet, craftsman, fervent socialist, and one of the world’s most successful pattern designers.

This exhibition focuses on his legacy and includes framed original samples, as well as interior layouts. The exhibition will place the visitor into the 19th and 20th-century interiors these wallpapers were made for. It is the first time many of these historic samples have been exhibited in the UK. 

The collection includes some of Morris’s most famous patterns as well as wallpapers by acclaimed 19th and 20th Century designers, such as, Owen Jones, Dresser, Pugin, and Voysey.

The largest section of the exhibition focuses on William Morris and his legacy. Key works include rare formal Victorian designs that predate Morris, Victorian woodblocks, and ‘kinkarakawakami’, the Japanese wallpaper produced for export that inspired him. 

William Morris advocated living 'a beautiful life'. A British craftsman and pioneer of modern design, Morris started designing wallpapers in the 1860s. Within a decade, he was creating some of his most enduring designs including 'Larkspur', 'Jasmine' (both 1872), 'Willow' (1874), and 'Marigold' (1875).

The exhibition is curated by Mary Schoeser and produced by Dovecot Studios with the Sanderson Design Group Archive. 

Tickets: £10.50

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Free Thursday lunchtime tour: Join us on Thursdays for a guided lunchtime tour, included in our normal ticket price BOOK NOW