Friday 17 October 2014

National Portrait Gallery shines light on William Morris

William Morris painted by GF Watss in 1870 (left) and Frederick Hollyer in 1884
The influence of artist-craftsman William Morris on 20th Century life, and his concept of "art for the people", are being explored in a new exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London.
Morris is known for leading the Arts and Crafts movement and for designing wallpaper that he hoped would allow aesthetic beauty to be a central feature of ordinary homes.
The exhibition, titled Anarchy and Beauty: William Morris and His Legacy, looks at his wider ideology and influence and includes his diary, furniture, portraits and other possessions.
They are displayed alongside the work of his contemporaries and those he inspired.
‘Daisy’ wallpaper by William Morris, designed in 1862 and first printed by Jeffrey & Co in 1864.
La Belle Iseult by William Morris