William Morris: Artist Craftsman Pioneer

Rosalind Ormiston & N. M. Wells

Hardcover | 27.94 x 2.79 x 28.89 cm | 192 pp

Flame Tree | 2019 | 9781787553194

This beautifully illustrated book offers a survey of William Morris' life and work alongside some of his finest decorative work. Morris possessed a multi-faceted genius that allowed him not only to master every craft to which he turned his hand, but also to write critically acclaimed essays and poetry, translate ancient texts and help establish the Socialist movement.

The first section of the book tells the story of an extraordinary life, looking at his early years and preoccupations, his time in Oxford and his unorthodox marriage, right up to his eventual death at Kelmscott Manor. It reveals Morris' fascinating progression from architectural student and poet into artist, designer and Socialist pioneer. It also discusses his involvement with John Ruskin and the Pre-Raphaelites and assesses his legacy for future generations of artists and designers of the Arts
& Crafts Movement.

The second section focuses on Morris the designer, the side of his career for which he is perhaps best known. It explores his designs, beginning with those for Daisy and Trellis wallpaper in 1864 to his The Holy Grail tapestries from 1890-94, and takes an in-depth look at his changing artistic styles. Attention is also given to the pieces created by Morris's firm: Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. (later Moriss & Co.), with their emphasis on fine craftsmanship and traditional production methods.

William Morris was a rare force for cultural change and his desire to create a society in which art was intrinsic to everyday life was brought about by positive action and example. His wholesale rejection of constraining, hypocritical Victorian values and the subsequent creation of functional and beautiful textiles, books, tapestries, furniture and stained glass has secured his place as one of the most original thinkers and craftsmen of all time.