York Art Gallery is set to host a captivating exhibition, “The Art of Wallpaper: Morris & Co.,” from 27 September 2024 to 23 February 2025. This event will explore the iconic wallpaper designs of William Morris, the founder of Morris & Co., and his influence on the Arts & Crafts movement, design innovation, and the world of interior decoration.
‘The exhibition, debuting in York, is presented by the esteemed Dovecot Studios in collaboration with Morris & Co., and offers an in-depth look at Morris’s legacy through a display of over 130 works spanning nearly a century.
William Morris: A pioneer of design
William Morris (1834-1896) was a revolutionary British designer whose work in wallpaper design began in the 1860s. Over the next decade, he produced some of his most enduring and beloved designs, such as “Larkspur,” “Jasmine” (both 1872), and “Willow” (1874). Morris’s designs were inspired by nature and crafted with an attention to detail that made them stand the test of time. His contribution to design was not just aesthetic but also philosophical, as he advocated for the democratization of good design and the importance of craftsmanship in the face of industrial mass production.
A historical perspective on wallpaper design
The exhibition will feature an array of works from the Sanderson and Morris & Co. archives, dating from the 1830s to the 1920s. It traces the history of wallpaper design, including rare formal Victorian designs that predate Morris’s work, Victorian woodblocks, and the influence of kinkarakawakami—a type of Japanese wallpaper produced for export that had a significant impact on Morris’s designs.
The legacy of William Morris and beyond
The largest section of the exhibition will delve into the extensive legacy of William Morris as a designer, writer, poet, publisher, and activist. It will also feature original samples of Morris & Co. wallpapers, framed and accompanied by pieces of upholstered furniture in Morris & Co. fabrics, providing visitors with an immersive experience of 19th- and 20th-century interiors. The exhibition also highlights the work of other prominent designers of the era, including Owen Jones, Dresser, Pugin, and C.F.A. Voysey.
Insights from curators and designers
Dr Helen Walsh, Curator of Ceramics at York Art Gallery, expressed her excitement about bringing this exhibition to York:
“We are thrilled to showcase over a hundred of the most famous original wallpaper designs created by William Morris and his contemporaries. Morris, a central figure of the Arts & Crafts movement, was inspired by nature and was a passionate advocate for workers’ rights and the importance of craft skills.”
Caitlin Stracey, Archive and Design Manager at Sanderson Design Group, added:
“We are delighted to continue the tour of ‘The Art of Wallpaper’ exhibition, which delves into our rich archive. This exhibition offers a unique cross-section of design and manufacturing from the mid-19th to early 20th century, highlighting the enduring influence of Morris & Co.”
Exhibition highlights and program
The exhibition promises to be a vibrant celebration of William Morris and his contemporaries, featuring more than 100 original wallpapers, manufacturing logbooks, and authentic woodblocks. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the evolution of wallpaper design and its lasting impact on modern interior decoration. Additionally, the program will include a series of talks and demonstrations to further enrich the visitor experience.
For those interested in a sneak peek, a Press Preview is scheduled for Thursday, 26 September 2024.
Visiting information
- Location: York Art Gallery, Exhibition Square, York
- Dates: 27 September 2024 – 23 February 2025
- Opening Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
- Website: York Art Gallery
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of William Morris and the rich history of wallpaper design at York Art Gallery.
