William Morris is the most influential British designer of the last 100 years and this collection combines Morris's writings with his famous designs for wallpapers, fabrics, tapestries, embroideries, carpets, books and stained glass. Through his own work and in his own words, the-book traces the progress of William Morris, Pre-Raphaelite poet and architectural student, into designer, writer and pioneer socialist. His youthful enthusiasm for the Middle Ages and Gothic cathedrals fired him with the conviction that he must dedicate his life to 'Art'...

William Morris is the most influential British designer of the last 100 years and this collection combines Morris's writings with his famous designs for wallpapers, fabrics, tapestries, embroideries, carpets, books and stained glass. Through his own work and in his own words, the-book traces the progress of William Morris, Pre-Raphaelite poet and architectural student, into designer, writer and pioneer socialist. His youthful enthusiasm for the Middle Ages and Gothic cathedrals fired him with the conviction that he must dedicate his life to 'Art'. Later letters written to friends explain how, in the industrialised nineteenth century, Morris became preoccupied with the loss of traditional skills and pride in work and how, in an attempt to revitalise the dying arts and demonstrate the joys of labour, he set up his own workshops for the production of textiles. During the last ten years of his life he became increasingly involved in political agitation, and his stories, poems and lectures all reflect his commitment to the socialist cause and his ideals for art and society. Other extracts from his letters and poems reveal more intimate aspects of Morris's life and personality, reflecting the despair and isolation he felt at the breakdown of his marriage and demonstrates his reliance on the friends who helped him through his personal crisis. William Morris by Himself is illustrated with over 200 colour photographs of Morris's work, many of which are shown here for the first time in colour. Morris fabrics and wallpapers in museum collections have been photographed specially for this book and are accolnpanied by many of his original pencil and watercolour designs, including sketches and preparatory works. Willam Morris by Himself is a tribute to an exceptional man, whose work and reputation have. survived for more than a century, and conveys something of the man that he was, as well as his achievements.

Introduction

Dreamer of Dreams

Fine Art Workmen

Queen Square

Kelmscott Manor

Commitment

Design and Socialism

The Final Years

William Morris by Others

Guide to the principal personalities

mentioned in the text

List of plates

Select bibliography