Indian, William Morris for Morris & Co
Morris is well known for taking inspiration from medieval European art, but perhaps less for his interest in historic textiles from the Middle East and the Indian sub-continent. This printed fabric shows that Morris also learnt from contemporary cottons imported from India, particularly in the strongly contrasting reds and blues, and the way the three-dimensional forms of flowers and leaves could be transformed into flat patterns.
William Morris Gallery
The William Morris Gallery is the only public gallery devoted to the life and legacy of William Morris: designer, craftsman, socialist. On display are key works which exemplify the different strands in his life – as a designer, craftsman, storyteller, political activist and poet.
A Kelmscott Press’ masterpiece, the Kelmscott Chaucer, above.