Tapestry Artist William Morris

William Morris: A Master of Art, Tapestry and Design

If you’re a fan of beautiful tapestries, then you need to know about William Morris. He was a master of art, design, and tapestry weaving. His stunning tapestries are still treasured today.

William Morris’ artworks were inspired by nature, and his biography is fascinating. If you’re interested in learning more about this incredible artist, keep reading. If you already know about William Morris and simply want to own a stunning tapestry inspired by his legacy, skip right down to our favorites!

The Fascinating History of William Morris

William Morris was born in 1834, and he showed an early interest in art. He studied at the University of Oxford, where he met some other artists who would go on to become very famous, including Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Edward Burne-Jones.

Morris was educated privately from the age of 13, at Marlborough College, before going on to read theology at Exeter College, Oxford, in 1853. Thomas Carlyle, Charles Kingsley, and John Ruskin’s social criticisms persuaded him away from becoming a priest.

He began his career as an architect at university, married Jane Burden, and formed close relationships with the Pre-Raphaelite painters Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Edward Burne-Jones. The two encouraged him to develop an interest in art and architecture. This was the start of a magnificent professional life that spanned many disciplines – artist, author, activist, and craftsman.

Morris began his career as an artist by painting murals and designing furniture. However, it was his tapestry work that really made him famous. His tapestries are intricate and beautiful, often featuring elaborate designs inspired by nature.

Morris also designed wallpaper, textiles, and other household objects. He was a master of his craft, and his work is still admired and appreciated today.

One of Morris’ most famous pieces is a tapestry called “Strawberry Thief“. It is exquisitely detailed and a true representation of Morris’ work. If you’ve ever considered hanging a tapestry in your home, you can’t go wrong with this choice!

William Morris Strawberry Thief Tapestry

His other works include Acanthus, European Summer Quince, Tree of Life, The Orchard, Panel of Tiles, and The Woodpecker series.

In 1891, he established the Kelmscott Press to produce limited-edition illustrated volumes. It was a cause that he dedicated his final years to and became a significant passion and part of his legacy. The Kelmscott Chaucer, considered by many to be the press’s greatest work, was completed shortly before his death in 1896.

Even though he died over 125 years ago, William Morris is still considered one of the most important figures in art and design. He was a master of his craft, and his work has been exhibited all over the world.

The William Morris Society is located in London, but you can visit the society’s website here for more information about their work and how you could get involved with them too!

William Morris Tapestries

Morris’ tapestry work is especially well-known for its intricate beauty. He was inspired by nature and the natural world around him, which can be seen in his designs.

The William Morris Society preserves his legacy today, as well as promoting education about art and design through a fellowship program that provides funding to students who want to pursue careers in those fields.

William Morris Woodpecker III Tapestry

William Morris Woodpecker III Tapestry

Designed by Morris & Co in 1877. the Woodpecker is unusual in that it was one of the very few tapestries designed by William Morris in its entirety.

William Morris’ In the Blue Wood Tapestry

In the Blue Wood I

A delicious combination of golds, blues, and blue-greens this tapestry wall hanging is elaborately woven into this natural scene by William Morris.

William Morris Woodpecker Tapestry

William Morris Woodpecker Tapestry

This classic tapestry depicts a woodpecker against an ornate backdrop and was designed by Morris & Co in 1877.

William Morris Strawberry Thief Tapestry

William Morris Strawberry Thief – Blue

Strawberry Thief is one of William Morris’ most popular repeating designs – and for good reason! The beautiful design has now been lovingly created as a beautiful tapestry, using Jacquard looms to capture every detail. Whether you’re looking to add some classic style to your home or office decor, or you just love the look of this timeless print, Strawberry Thief is sure to impress.

William Morris’ Strawberry Thief Tapestry Red

William Morris’ Strawberry Thief – Red

Bold, beautiful, and bursting with color, this updated version of William Morris’ Strawberry Thief tapestry is perfect for adding a touch of luxury to any room. With its intricate design and rich palette of colors, this piece is sure to turn heads. So why not add a touch of elegance to your home today?

Acanthus by William Morris | Large Traditional Tapestry

Acanthus by William Morris Large Traditional Tapestry

Acanthus is a large tapestry that has been lovingly replicated by skilled and talented tapestry artisans. This William Morris classic tapestry is sure to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any home.

Acanthus Forest by William Morris

Acanthus Forest by William Morris

A William Morris classic large tapestry, Acanthus Forest, with its lush blooming foliage and nestling birds, has been lovingly replicated by skilled and talented tapestry artisans.

Morris Medley Woven Tapestry Decor

Morris Medley Tapestry

Looking for something that celebrates William Morris with a bit more of a modern edge? Julianna James’ tribute to the tapestry genius of William Morris is large in scale and busting in excitingly sumptuous warm tones.

William Morris European Summer Quince Tapestry

William Morris European Summer Quince

Bring the beauty of the English countryside into your home with this gorgeous William Morris tapestry. Featuring a unique European design, this tapestry is sure to become a family favorite. With its finely detailed stitching and vibrant colors, it’s sure to add a touch of elegance to any room. So why not order yours today?

William Morris Woodpecker II Tapestry

William Morris Woodpecker II

This version of the famous William Morris painting is master crafted in our finest woven technique for exquisite detail in the original color.

William Morris The Orchard Tapestry

William Morris The Orchard Figurative Tapestry

A classically inspired wall tapestry featuring four women in sumptuous robes. The women are joined together in the holding of an inscribed banner. An array of ripe fruit trees decorate the background in this stunning piece. The Orchard was Morris’ first attempt at designing a figurative tapestry, responding to the wishes of rich clients to have unique works of art created by him.

William Morris In the Blue Wood II Tapestry Wall Hanging

William Morris In the Blue Wood II

Bring the beauty of nature indoors with this captivating William Morris In the Blue Wood II Tapestry. A stunning combination of blues and golds, this tapestry is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any room. Featuring blue flowers and flowing golden leaves, this wall hanging is sure to impress.

William Morris Arboretum Tapestry

William Morris’ Arboretum

This William Morris-inspired wall tapestry was designed by modern tapestry artisans to honor his legacy. It features botanical outlines that are subtle, yet strong. A lovely mix of masculine and feminine. Intricate and richly detailed, and woven in luscious, deep emerald green.

William Morris’ Panel of Tiles Tapestry

William Morris’ Panel of Tiles Tapestry

The William Morris Panel of Tiles Tapestry is a stunning addition to any room! The intricate filigree pattern woven in powder blue against a dark green background is will make a dramatic yet elegant statement. Finished with a simple black border, this tapestry is sure to add elegance and style to your home.

William Morris Tree of Life Tapestry

Tree of Life Tapestry – Ruby

This elegant wall tapestry depicts the Tree of Life, a mystical concept relating to immortality that often appears in folklore, culture, and fiction. This tapestry is a revival of the 1879 piece by William Morris.

The William Morris Tree of Life tapestry is one of the most beautiful pieces of art that was created by this famous artist. The tapestry is a circular design that features a tree in the center, with branches and leaves spreading outwards. It is made up of several different colors, including green, blue, and yellow. You can see all of the unique and wonderful versions of this stunning tapestry in a variety of sizes.

William Morris Quotes

Not only a talented artist, but William Morris was also a brilliant and thought-provoking man. Here are some of his most famous quotes:

Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.

The moment we want to believe something, we suddenly see all the arguments for it.

The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life.

Give me love and work – these two only.

Not on one strand are all life’s jewels strung.

The past is not dead, it is living in us, and will be alive in the future which we are now helping to make.

I do not want art for a few any more than education for a few, or freedom for a few.

It took me years to understand that words are often as important as experience, because words make experience last.

History has remembered the kings and warriors, because they destroyed; art has remembered the people, because they created.

We shall not be happy unless we live like good animals, unless we enjoy the exercise of the ordinary functions of life: eating, sleeping, loving, walking, running, swimming, riding, sailing.

The reward of labour is life. Is that not enough?

If you cannot learn to love real art, at least learn to hate sham art and reject it.

The Lasting Legacy of William Morris

William Morris was a master artist, craftsman, and designer who left an enduring legacy. His work is still celebrated today, and his influence can be seen in the art and design of subsequent generations. He was a pioneer in the Arts and Crafts movement, which sought to revive traditional craftsmanship techniques and create beautiful objects that were functional as well as aesthetically pleasing.

Morris also championed the idea that everyone should have access to arts and culture, regardless of social class or financial status. He wanted to create things of beauty that were affordable for people from all walks of life.

We couldn’t agree more!

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