The artist, poet, designer, and publisher, William Morris, was deeply moved by illuminated manuscripts he saw in Canterbury Cathedral as a child. Later, while studying at Oxford, he encountered more manuscripts at the Bodleian Library that inspired him to try his hand at illumination. Morris eventually integrated ideas and designs from these manuscripts, along with Read More

Join us for a morning of creativity and learn the intricate art of metal embossing creating your own William Morris inspired festive ornaments! There will also be the opportunity to hear a short introductory talk on our new exhibition 'Practically Magic' by our curator who will also show you some of our unique and original objects from our Read More

We are so excited to launch our brand new and exclusive Morris by Moonlight evening events! Join us after hours for a candle-lit evening at the William Morris Society Museum and experience this hidden gem by moonlight. The evening will commence with an introductory highlights talk from 6.15-6.30pm on the history of Kelmscott House where William Read More

Join us in a variety of spooky craft activities to create your own Ghostly Fruits, Trellis Pumpkins and Woolly Owls, inspired by the designs of one of the most famous Victorians, William Morris. Get hands-on with printing!  Sketch your design, draw it on foam and then print it to create your own Ghostly Fruits. Make Read More

What was the world of textiles out of which William Morris' practice emerged? And what inspired his designs? In this lecture, Dr Isabella Rosner, examines the bright, simplistic embroidery that had a monopoly on British stitching before the Arts and Crafts movement and explores the historical textiles Morris took inspiration from for his own textile designs. 

Karen Livingstone will talk about her new book, Women Pioneers of the Arts & Crafts Movement which is a celebration of the work and ambition of the women who were at the heart of the most influential art and design movement of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. She will shine a light on the vital contribution of figures such as May Morris, Gertrude Jekyll, Annie Garnett, and many others.