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William Morris Part II

© A. Wilson

William Morris was one of the most prolific artists of the nineteenth century. In addition to his designs, he was also a publisher, poet and ardent socialist. His work illustrates a variety of interests, for he designed furniture, which was both simple and practical, he wrote volumes of poetry, and he founded the Kelmscott Press, which produced beautifully illuminated books and manuscripts which are still highly sought after today.

The following items illustrate this variety of interests, and include some of his best-loved patterns and objects.

The Geoffrey Chaucer Tile This hand-painted, tin-glaze earthenware tile was designed by Burne-Jones and it is thought to have been painted by Morris himself, which makes it a rather rare piece. It is thought that Rossetti modelled for Chaucer. According to Parry, the lettering is similar to that found on a calling card, which is thought to be Morris's early writing.

Adjustable-back chair This chair was designed by Phillip Webb and produced by the firm of Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. around 1866. It is made of ebonised wood with 'Utrecht Velvet' upholsteries. This designed was based on a standard reclining chair, which Waring Talyor had seen in the Sussex workshop of Ephraim Colman. Webb designed it based on the conventional design, which retained the bars in the frame but also incorporating bobbin turning.

Pomona Tapestry

'Pomona' was designed by Edward Burne-Jones and John Henry Dearle and woven at Merton Abbey circa 1900. 'Pomona' was Burne-Jones's first design for tapestry and was paid £25.00 by Morris & Co. for the design. The original 'Pomona' had a background planned by Morris; later versions had a background designed by Henry Dearle. Other panels have been traced to Exeter College, the Harris Art Gallery in Preston and one is held by the Art Institute of Chicago. Wightwick Manor, Wolverhampton, holds a watercolour design.

The Orchard Tapestry This was designed by Morris and Henry Dearle and woven at Merton Abbey in 1890. This tapestry is indicative of the type of product, which was being produced by Morris & Co. after their products had become sought after by the wealthy upper classes. This work marks Morris's first attempt at producing a figurative design. William Knight, William Sleath and John Martin wove it under the supervision Henry Dearle.

Odes of Horace This work illustrates Morris's attempts at calligraphy and shows his great love of books and literature. It is in the Renaissance Italic style. It was designed and hand-written by Morris- all 183 pages of it- although the border design remains unfinished. It was planned by Morris, Edward Burne-Jones and Charles Fairfax Murray and executed in 1874.

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