Welcome
Welcome to The William Morris Society, founded in 1955 to make the life, work and ideas of William Morris (1834-96) better known. Our purpose is to share knowledge of the life and works of William Morris amongst our members and the wider public. We do this through our publications, events, education programme, library and exhibitions of work by and relating to Morris.
About the society
An introduction to William Morris
William Morris (24 March 1834 – 3 October 1896) was a revolutionary force in Victorian Britain whose work dramatically changed the fashions and ideologies of the era. As a craftsman, designer, poet, printer, socialist, novelist, and environmentalist, Morris was not only influential in his own time, but his legacy remains alive and important today.
About William MorrisWhat's on
The Society has an exciting variety of exhibitions and events throughout the year.
WILLIAM MORRIS AND THE FOUNDING OF THE BUILDING CONSERVATION MOVEMENT
In 1877, William Morris and Philip Webb, alarmed by the destructive “restoration” of ancient buildings that was occurring in Victorian England, together founded the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB). Morris pleaded for “Protection in the place of …
Find out moreALSO COMING UP
LECTURE: WILLIAM MORRIS’S FLOWERS
Morris’s sensitivity to the natural world combined with his innate talent as a designer enabled him to create patterns with …
February 19, 2020 10.30 - 13.00Family Arts & Crafts Workshop: Peacocks & Dragons
Join us for creative activities inspired by two of the creatures which William Morris used in his designs – magnificent …
Latest news
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Read moreJanuary 7, 2020
We were saddened to learn of the recent death of David Rainger, who was an active member of The William Morris Society for many years and served as Chairman in 1996, the centenary year of Morris’s death which was marked…
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Read moreOBJECT OF THE MONTH: JANUARY 2020
January 2, 2020
Minstrel with Cymbals, May Morris, embroidery on linen, c.1890 This beautiful embroidery, designed and stitched by May Morris, was adapted from a stained-glass window by her father. May changed the colour scheme to delicate silvery shades, altered the background foliage…