Exploring the World of William Morris
If you’ve ever admired a richly patterned textile or fallen in love with handcrafted furniture, you’ve probably seen the influence of William Morris – even if you didn’t realize it. However, who was William Morris exactly? Beyond being a designer, he was a poet, social thinker, and a driving force behind the Arts and Crafts Movement in Britain.
“Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”
— William Morris
In this article, we’ll walk you through Morris’s biography, his role in the Arts and Crafts Movement, the beauty of his textile and wallpaper designs, and why his work still inspires interiors today. We hope you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for his influence on modern design.
SelectBlinds is honored to offer six patterns of 19th-century artist William Morris in collaboration with the Victoria and Albert Museum. Founded in 1852 to make works of art available to all, today the V&A is the world’s leading museum of art, design and performance. Explore our V&A William Morris collection of window treatments today!
William Morris Biography: Life & Work
William Morris was born on March 24, 1834, and his legacy still shapes the way we think about beauty in everyday life. From the beginning, he believed that thoughtfully crafted, nature‑inspired design could elevate even the simplest objects in our homes.
Born in Walthamstow, East London, Morris grew up surrounded by the countryside that would later fuel his lifelong devotion to art, nature, and craftsmanship. His early environment shaped a creative philosophy that continues to influence modern interiors today.
Early Life
Morris grew up surrounded by the beauty of the English countryside. Consequently, English meadows, hedgerows, woodland walks, and his own gardens became lifelong sources of inspiration – imagery that later filled his wallpapers and textiles with intertwining flowers, leaves, and birds.
Education
He studied at Oxford University, where he met Edward Burne-Jones. Together, they formed a friendship that would fuel a shared passion for reconnecting art with everyday life. Moreover, this partnership became central to the Arts and Crafts Movement.
Career
Morris founded Morris & Co., a firm specializing in handcrafted furniture, textiles, stained glass, and wallpapers. Because he believed that beauty should enrich the everyday, his mission was simple: restore meaning to household objects through careful craftsmanship.
He was also deeply involved in British socialism, believing art should be accessible to everyone. Therefore, his activism and design work were closely intertwined.
What Was the Arts and Crafts Movement?
The Arts and Crafts Movement emerged in the late 19th century as a reaction against the Industrial Revolution. As a result, Morris became a leading voice arguing that factory-made goods lacked the integrity, soul, and artistry of handmade objects.
Core ideas included:
- The beauty of craftsmanship
- The value of natural materials
- Designs inspired by nature and medieval art
- The belief that art should enrich everyday life
- The rejection of mass-produced, low-quality goods
Because Morris embodied all of these principles, he became the movement’s most influential figure. Furthermore, his writings continue to inform design thinking today.
William Morris Designs: Wallpapers, Textiles & Furniture
When you think of William Morris, intricate wallpapers probably come to mind; lush leaves, curling vines, and repeating floral motifs. Nevertheless, his creative range was far broader.
Wallpapers & Textiles
His designs were rooted in the flora and fauna of nature: flowers, trees, garden birds, and the landscapes of the English countryside. In addition, he used traditional printing and weaving techniques to maintain quality and depth.
One of his most iconic patterns, “Strawberry Thief”, was inspired by the thrushes in his own garden who stole ripe strawberries from the beds. Consequently, this design captures the charm and realism that made his work famous.
Moreover, Morris created tapestries, carpets, and woven textiles celebrated for their richness and craftsmanship.
Furniture & Decorative Arts
He designed furniture with simple, honest forms, always handcrafted rather than factory-made. Additionally, he created stained glass and book illustrations influenced by medieval manuscripts and artisan traditions.
Why It Still Matters
Even today, William Morris’s designs appear in modern homes, either as authentic reproductions or contemporary pieces inspired by his philosophy. Furthermore, his commitment to sustainable materials and natural beauty aligns strongly with today’s slow-living values.
Where Can You See William Morris’s Work? (UK Travel Guide)
If you’re a design or art lover, there are several important sites where Morris’s legacy lives on. Therefore, visiting these locations can offer deeper insight into his world.
William Morris Gallery: Walthamstow (London)
A dedicated museum in his childhood home featuring textiles, furniture, prints, and personal artifacts.
Kelmscott Manor: Oxfordshire
Morris’s countryside retreat, preserved with his belongings, textiles, and the gardens he loved. In addition, the surrounding landscape influenced many of his designs.
Victoria and Albert Museum: London
The V&A holds one of the world’s largest collections of Morris’s work, from wallpapers to textiles to stained glass. Moreover, Morris wasn’t just featured in the museum—he influenced its early collecting practices and even helped design parts of the building.
Perceived Pros & Cons of William Morris’s Approach
Pros
- Revived traditional craftsmanship
- Elevated household objects into works of art
- Inspired sustainable and eco-conscious design movements
- Promoted accessibility and equality in the arts
Cons
- Handmade goods were expensive, limiting access for lower-income households
- Some critics viewed his medieval-inspired style as old-fashioned during the rise of modernism
William Morris Timeline (Quick Reference)
- 1834 – Born in Walthamstow, East London
- 1855 – Decided to pursue art
- 1859 – Married Jane Burden
- 1861 – Founded Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co.
- 1862 – Exhibited work at the International Exhibition
- 1865 – Commissioned for the West Dining Room at the South Kensington Museum
- 1875 – Became sole director of Morris & Co.
- 1876 – Became an examiner at the museum’s art school
- 1877 – Opened a retail shop
- 1881 – Expanded production into a factory setting
- 1884 – “Morrisonian” became a recognized term; joined the museum’s Committee of Art Referees
- 1893 – Contributed to the museum’s permanent collections
- 1896 – Passed away in Hammersmith, London
Why William Morris Still Inspires Us Today
Who was William Morris in the bigger picture? He wasn’t just an artist, he was a reformer who believed that good design could improve everyday life. Consequently, his philosophy of craftsmanship over mass production feels more relevant today than ever.
Even if you don’t own an original Morris piece, his influence shapes the way we think about interior design. Ultimately, he showed us how to bring beauty, nature, and meaning into the home.
Quick FAQ Recap
A British designer, poet, social thinker, and leader of the Arts and Crafts Movement.
His nature-inspired wallpapers and textiles, and his influence on modern design philosophy.
The William Morris Gallery, Kelmscott Manor, and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.
He made art accessible, influenced modern design, and championed handcrafted beauty over industrial production.
Additionally, if Morris’s timeless patterns have inspired you to bring his style into your own home, you can explore our shoppable collection of William Morris window treatments. From richly patterned Roman shades to elegant drapery, each piece captures the natural beauty and craftsmanship Morris championed. To learn more, be sure to read our feature article: Break Away From Bland with the V&A William Morris Collection.
Conclusion
William Morris leaves us with more than beautiful patterns, he leaves us with a way of seeing. His work reminds us to slow down, value craftsmanship, and find inspiration in the natural world. More importantly, his belief that everyday objects deserve beauty still resonates today, from the wallpaper on our walls to the textiles we choose for our homes.
