William Morris was a leading British artist, designer and thinker of the late 19th century. As a central member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, he advocated a living environment surrounded by medieval handicrafts, and led the Arts and Crafts movement.
William Morris Biography
- Born on March 24, 1834, in London to a wealthy family.
- Morris, Marshall, Faulkner and Company founded in 1861
- In 1891 he founded the Kelmscott Press and innovated bookbinding.
- Died October 3, 1896, at Hammersmith, London (aged 62)
Major Works
- Wallpaper design "Willow Bough" (1887)
- Tapestry "The Persiance of the Queen of Quedinghame" (1916)
- The Earthly Paradise (1868-70)
- Numerous works of book design and letterpress printing
Through his designs and handicrafts, Morris encouraged reflection on the mechanized industrial society. His creative work was not only a display of his talent as a craftsman, but also a display of his social criticism.
In order to embody his ideal of a medieval lifestyle, he worked in a wide range of fields, from interior decorations such as furniture, wallpaper, and tapestries to book binding, printing, and poetry. His works, which combine functionality and beauty, have had a major influence on modern design.
As a leader of the Arts and Crafts movement, Morris preached the value and artistry of manual labor in crafts, and is regarded as a pioneer of the design movement.
