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Who was William Morris?

Author Amelia CalverResearch and Development Manager for V&A Brand LicensingWritten 30/09/2025
Tara Hall HeadshotEditor Tara HallContent Operations ManagerEdited 29/10/2026

Discover the enduring legacy of William Morris as we explore his life, work and lasting influence. 

Introducing William Morris

William Morris (1834–96) is widely remembered today for his floral fabrics and wallpaper designs, as well as his famous advice: “Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful”. But beneath the surface of his decorative art lies the passionate vision of a Victorian socialist.  

Disturbed by the rise of industrial factory production, Morris championed traditional craftsmanship and looked to the medieval world as a model for making beautiful, well-crafted objects. 

  • “William Morris championed a philosophy that blended beauty, craftsmanship and community. Nearly 150 years later, this legacy endures as we continue to draw inspiration from the natural world, translating its forms into textiles and furnishings that celebrate our bond with the earth.” 

    Amelia Calver

Formative years

William Morris was born in Walthamstow - now East London - into a wealthy upper-middle-class family. His father, a successful stockbroker, significantly increased the family's fortune through investments in copper mining, enabling them to move to the grand mansion, Woodford Hall. 

This privileged upbringing placed Morris in a complex position: while he enjoyed the benefits of wealth, he later came to reject its foundations and the social inequalities it represented. 

Morris’ aesthetic was greatly influenced by his early exposure to medieval art, including visits to historic churches and Canterbury Cathedral, as well as taking brass rubbings. He developed a lifelong interest in Gothic architecture and vestments. 

A transformative journey at university

While at Oxford, Morris met Jane Burden, whom he later married. She was introduced to his circle by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, who invited her to model for the Pre-Raphaelites. 

After a six-month honeymoon traveling through Europe, immersing themselves in the art and architecture that deeply inspired their shared aesthetic, they moved into Red House in Kent - a home Morris designed in collaboration with friend and architect, Philip Webb. Red House became a symbol of their creative ideals and a gathering place for like-minded artists. 

From Red House to Morris & Co.

Red House marked a turning point in Morris’ artistic and social ideals, reflecting his belief that architecture should connect people with the natural world. Built in a Gothic-inspired style from local red brick and tiles, it provided a retreat into nature from city life while remaining closely connected to London. 

Red House was more than a home; it also embodied the idea of friendship and fellowship. Because they couldn’t find anything manufactured that suited their tastes, Morris and Jane furnished it with handcrafted pieces, paintings by Burne-Jones and Rossetti, and bespoke furniture designed by Webb, and it was out of that cooperative endeavour that the firm of Morris, Marshall and Faulkner & Co. was born. 

A moment of discovery by Sir Henry Cole

Soon after its founding, the company was invited to exhibit at a trade show - the London 1862 Exhibition - an important opportunity for the young enterprise. Among the visitors was Sir Henry Cole, the influential founding director of the South Kensington Museum (now the V&A). 

Impressed by the firm’s work, Cole commissioned Morris to design the decoration for the Green Dining Room, which would later be known as the V&A Café. This commission, alongside another for the Armoury at St. James’ Palace, marked the firm’s first major secular projects and significantly raised its public profile and Morris’ reputation. 

Art educator and visionary, shaping design for generations

By 1870 Morris was acting as an Art Referee for the Museum, giving advice on the acquisition of textiles. His knowledge of the history of Middle Eastern carpets was used extensively by the V&A and due to his good advice, the collection acquired two of the Museum’s finest Persian pieces - the Ardabil and Chelsea Carpets.  

Traces of Morris’ inspiration by the Museum’s collections are to be found in almost every curatorial department. Morris himself acknowledged that he, “happily used the Museum more than any man living”.  The knowledge that he accumulated made a deep impression and influence on his work and the relationship between Morris and the V&A appears to be certainly a great benefit and advantage to both. 

Preserving the legacy

The V&A holds one of the most extensive and comprehensive collections of William Morris’ designs and objects in the world. His legacy is woven throughout the Museum, with works by Morris and his company of craftspeople displayed across nearly every department - from textiles and wallpaper to furniture, ceramics and stained glass. This enduring influence is one reason Morris’s designs continue to resonate today, finding new audiences and inspiring contemporary interiors. 

Continuing the legacy

The V&A also collaborates with contemporary designers and manufacturers who draw inspiration from Morris’ work, using it as a springboard for products that combine beauty, craftsmanship and purpose - just as he envisioned. 

  • “William Morris patterns range from bold and busy, to subtle and calm – ensuring there’s a colour and pattern for every space.” 

    Farwa Moledina, Interiors content creator

Hillarys x V&A William Morris Collection

William Morris designs continue to inspire homes more than a century after they were first created. Through the V&A William Morris Collection from Hillarys, some of his most beloved patterns have been reimagined for Roman blinds, curtains and Roller blinds. 

The collection features some of his most famous work, including Strawberry Thief, Honeysuckle & Tulip and Pimpernel. Inspired by the natural world, these iconic designs are characterised by intricate foliage, birds and flowing botanical motifs, reflecting the craftsmanship and creativity of the Arts and Crafts movement. 

Whether you choose a single statement design or mix and match complementary prints, the collection offers a timeless way to celebrate the artistry of William Morris. 

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