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William Morris
An overview of the multi-faceted work of the English innovator, William Morris. This volume looks at the anti-industrialist who supported the artisan and the handmade object at a time when history was gazing clearly in the opposite direction.
- GenresNonfictionBiography
208 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 1999
21 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte Fiell
111 books28 followersCharlotte Fiell is a leading authority on the history, theory and criticism of design and, to date, has written 60 books on the subject.
Charlotte initially studied at Heatherley School of Fine Art in London and then later at the British Institute in Florence. She subsequently took a BA(Hons) degree in the History of Drawing and Printmaking with Material Science at Camberwell College of Arts (UAL), London. Following on from this, she trained at Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London.
Charlotte initially studied at Heatherley School of Fine Art in London and then later at the British Institute in Florence. She subsequently took a BA(Hons) degree in the History of Drawing and Printmaking with Material Science at Camberwell College of Arts (UAL), London. Following on from this, she trained at Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 13, 2017
4.5 stars // When our book club read "Peacock & Vine: On William Morris and Mariano Fortuny" by A.S. Byatt, I was left wanting to know more about William Morris (1834-1896). This monograph, published by Taschen in 1999, fit the bill. Text in English, German and French.
"Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." - William Morris, 1880
The book opens with a biography of Morris, detailing his life and significance. This section includes numerous images and quotations. Fiell concludes that "Morris's reforming ideas are the supremacy of utility over luxury; the moral responsibility of designers and manufacturers to produce objects of quality; [and] the use of design as a democratic tool for social change."
The remainder of the book is devoted to Morris's work. While contemporary readers may know him for complex textile patterns, he was known best, in his day, for being a writer. The scope of his life's work is incredible, and each craft is on display within these pages: interior design, stained glass, furniture, tiles, wallpapers, embroidery, printed textiles, woven textiles, tapestry, carpets, calligraphy, and printing / publishing. His cooperation with business partners, associates and staff is also discussed -- one man could never produce this much work solely on his own!
Last year, I purchased a beautiful box set of 100 postcards celebrating Morris's iconic textile and wallpaper designs. I am often filled with awe upon seeing these patterns...
"Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." - William Morris, 1880
The book opens with a biography of Morris, detailing his life and significance. This section includes numerous images and quotations. Fiell concludes that "Morris's reforming ideas are the supremacy of utility over luxury; the moral responsibility of designers and manufacturers to produce objects of quality; [and] the use of design as a democratic tool for social change."
The remainder of the book is devoted to Morris's work. While contemporary readers may know him for complex textile patterns, he was known best, in his day, for being a writer. The scope of his life's work is incredible, and each craft is on display within these pages: interior design, stained glass, furniture, tiles, wallpapers, embroidery, printed textiles, woven textiles, tapestry, carpets, calligraphy, and printing / publishing. His cooperation with business partners, associates and staff is also discussed -- one man could never produce this much work solely on his own!
Last year, I purchased a beautiful box set of 100 postcards celebrating Morris's iconic textile and wallpaper designs. I am often filled with awe upon seeing these patterns...
February 27, 2021
"A life lived more simply". A great introduction and overview of one of my most beloved creators William Morris. The book is well structured, presenting artist's life and a vast collection of his works.
Morris was one of the pioneers of Arts&Crafts Movement, believing that decorative arts are important as they are used daily by people; that beauty of objects are their sole purpose; that division of labour and a big gap between people working on the product and its final form, is harming society; that art should be democratic and of high quality.
What resonates most with me is Morris' belief that there is no vocation, only crafts to be mastered. An inspiration to keep learning and keep mastering.
Morris was one of the pioneers of Arts&Crafts Movement, believing that decorative arts are important as they are used daily by people; that beauty of objects are their sole purpose; that division of labour and a big gap between people working on the product and its final form, is harming society; that art should be democratic and of high quality.
What resonates most with me is Morris' belief that there is no vocation, only crafts to be mastered. An inspiration to keep learning and keep mastering.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews