If you're wondering why the world's gone William Morris mad, think back to H&M's collaboration with Morris & Co in 2018. This deeply floral fashion/art hook-up triggered a new appreciation of the intricate repetitive natural patterns, brought alive through deep, rich colours, devised by William Morris (1834-1896), one of the most prominent founders of the British Arts & Crafts movement.
It's often said that what happens on the catwalk appears in our homes around two years later, and so is the case with William Morris; from bedding to blinds and cushions to kitchenware, his look is everywhere this spring, encouraged by our new-found love of nature and inspired by cottagecore's re-imagining of 'granny chic'.
'I've loved seeing the resurgence of William Morris with more and more brand collaborations and products incorporating his designs,' says Connor Prestwood, Interior Designer at home decor company Dowsing & Reynolds.
'I believe this coincides with a lot of other Victorian interior trends coming to light at the moment. Dark colours and the use of lots of plants in interiors are both growing in popularity, so when you bring them together, the effect is impactful and what's not to love?'
Here are 10 things you need to know about the William Morris trend and the genius who started it:
1) Early days
William Morris was born in Walthamstow, East London, the son of a wealthy City of London financier. As a child, he lived at Woodford Hall, a grand Italianate mansion in Woodford, Essex and also, Water Hall, a bow-fronted Georgian house in Walthamstow which is now home to the William Morris Gallery.
2) The Birmingham Set
At Oxford University, where he studied Classics at Exeter College, he met the Pre-Raphaelite painter, Edward Burne-Jones, a fellow undergraduate. Together they became leading lights in The Brotherhood, also known as the 'Birmingham Set', an influential group of artists and writers who championed traditional crafts in reaction to the mechanisation of the Industrial Revolution.
3) Influencing
William Morris is still making an impact on influencers today. Gemma Roberts, Senior Interior Designer at Vesta Interior Design, says: 'Some of the UK's most desirable hotels, such as Soho House's Kettner's Townhouse and Babington House have used William Morris wallpapers and fabric, which may have helped kick-start the trend.' Her Vesta colleague, Interior Designer Ashley Baker, adds: 'I love the dusky pink William Morris wallpaper in Hollywood actress Hilary Duff’s bedroom.'
William Morris interiors: soft furnishings and accessories
Seaweed Hallway Runner Rugs in 28008 Ink by William Morris
Parastone for John Beswick William Morris 'Strawberry Thief' Vase
4) Famous textiles
Although during his lifetime Morris became famous as a poet, writer and campaigner for social justice, it's for his textile designs that we remember him; he gave each individual pattern a picturesque name such as 'Marigold' (1875), 'Acanthus' (1875) and 'Strawberry Thief' (1883).
Morris & Co. Strawberry Thief Wallpaper, 212564
5) Morris & Co
The Victorian design and furniture company, Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Company, he co-founded with other artisans and craftspeople, eventually become Morris & Co, selling fabrics, wallpaper and homewares.
'The recent Morris & Co collaboration with designer Ben Pentreath to rework selected designs in new colourways has given the brand a refresh and revival with millennials,' says Bex Massey, founder at interior design company Bramble & Fox. 'The Blackthorn print in particular has been all over Instagram.'
6) Inspired by nature
William Morris stylised the shape of flowers and plants, even seaweed. Yasmin Smith, head designer at heritage fabric brand Blendworth, thinks this is key to his appeal: 'His designs are inspired by nature and that's something we're all turning to a lot more now, especially with regards to the pandemic. There are so many modern interpretations of Arts & Crafts out there. It's just core British, timeless design.'
For example, home furnishings retailer Dunelm has an opulent range of textiles and wallpaper.
The Morris Melsetter Wallpaper Collections brings a feminine influence to the classic designs of Morris & Co, many of which were inspired by the handcrafts and embroidery of May Morris.
7) Red House
Working with the architect Philip Webb, in 1859 William Morris designed Red House in Upton, Bexleyheath, South East London, as a home for his wife, Jane, a stableman's daughter who became his muse, and his family – he had two daughters, May and Jane Alice (known as Jenny).
Along with other friends such as Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Elizabeth Siddal and Edward Burne-Jones, Philip Webb also designed much of the furniture, as Morris couldn't find anything in the shops that was both simple and dramatic enough for his taste. Red House is open to the public through the National Trust.
8) Other properties
William Morris and his family left Red House in 1865, and moved from Bexleyheath to an apartment in Queen Square Bloomsbury. He ended up moving several times across London during his lifetime, eventually owning a house on Upper Mall, Hammersmith, and also renting 16th century Kelmscott Manor in the Cotswolds as his country retreat.
9) 3rd October 1986
William Morris died of tuberculosis on 3rd October 1986 at the age of 62 and is buried in the churchyard of St George's church in Kelmscott village. For the 125th anniversary of this death, the V&A are publishing a new book in October, William Morris, a collection of essays on his life and work edited by Anna Mason, with more than 600 illustrations (Thames & Hudson).
10) Famous quote
The most famous ethos of William Morris was: 'Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautifuL.' It's as relevant today as it ever was.
Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.
Love what you’re reading? Enjoy House Beautiful magazine delivered straight to your door every month with Free UK delivery. Buy direct from the publisher for the lowest price and never miss an issue!
Morris & Co wallpaper
