William Morris was a British artist and textile designer whose designs from the later half of the Victorian period are still incorporated in many homes today. He did most of his work in the city of Bloomsbury, central London. In November 1856, William Morris & his friend Edward Burne-Jones, moved into the first floor of 17 Red Lion Square, Bloomsbury (Located on the map). Morris’s association with this part of Bloomsbury would continue for 25 years, and his commemorative plaque still stands there today. He once said, "History has remembered the kings and warriors, because they destroyed; art has remembered the people, because they created."

William Morris was also remembered for his dismissivenes about public concerns about arsenic-based green pigments in wallpaper production. In a letter, he wrote: "a greater folly is hardly possible to imagine: the doctors were bitten by witch fever." If it was a problem, Morris said in 1855, "we should be sure to hear of it." Twenty years later, Jeffreys and Co, the producers of his wallpaper, would begin using arsenic-free green dyes. Morris has since become an important figure within the modern environmental movement. He condemned industrialization, calling it's effects "dehumanizing."

In 1861, Morris founded Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co with several others. This was a design and decorative arts company that was highly fashionable and it's designs sought after. This company influenced interior decoration throughout the Victorian period with tapestries, wallpaper, fabrics, furniture, and stained glass windows. In 1875, he bought the entire company, which was then named Morris & Co. The company exists today with modern interpretations and original designs from Morris himself, who is considered the greatest wallpaper and textile designer of the 19th century. He also founded the British Arts & Crafts Movement before he died on October 3rd, 1896 at age 62.

Works Cited

“William Morris Biography, Life & Quotes.” The Art Story, https://www.theartstory.org/artist/morris-william/life-and-legacy/.

Freeman, Emily Carrington. “Who Was William Morris?” National Trust, National Trust, 14 Dec. 2016, https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/who-was-william-morris.