V&A pattern: William Morris by Linda Parry - 2009

Lustre/Roli Books, 2009. Hardcover. New. Few British homes have not used Morris designs in one form or another, as a revival of interest in William Morris`s works took place throughout the second half of the twentieth century. These popular repeating patterns are easy on the eye and possess a timeless quality that sits well on the fashions of our age. They are also a reminder of the joys of the British countryside and have a modern appeal, surprising to find, in work created over 120 years ago. William Morris (1834-1896) began designing patterns for his own use, but he also wanted to improve the general standards of decorative design in Britain - and the conditions of manufacturing. This desire led him to establish his own workshops, the first in Queen near Wimbledon in south London. Morris & Co. designed not only home interiors, but also a wide range of products for the home, including stained-glass windows, furniture, decorated tiles, printed and woven textile furnishings, carpets and tapestries. Wallpapers were made for the firm by Jeffrey & Co., a leading nineteenth-century London manufacturer and sold exclusively in Britain in the Morris & Co. shop in Oxford Street and through agents in major cities throughout Europe, America and Australia. Repeating designs decorated many of these products and the a great extent on the artistic skills of William Morris and a small group of other designers working for the company he founded. Printed Pages: 66. V&A pattern: William MorrisLinda Parry9788174367150