The many talents of William Morris

William Morris, born March 24th, 1834 in London England had many different artistic endeavors throughout his life.  He dabbled in many things and by the end of his life he was largely responsible for the arts and crafts movement. 

Morris first started his career as an architect, after attending Exeter college.  He became inspired to do so after reading the art critic John Ruskin’s writings on the social and moral basis of architecture.  Feeling inspired he went on to get his degree in 1856 and joined the Oxford office of the revivalist architect G.E street.

Room styled and decorated by William Morris

His next endeavor came after trips to Belgium and France, where he discovered his great appreciation for medieval art.  Artists like Hans Memling and Hubert Van Eyck specifically inspired him.  Around this time, he met Pre- Raphaelite painter Dante Rossetti, who convinced him to give up architecture and pursue painting.  This is when Morris began painting the walls at Oxford with scenes from the Arthurian Legend. 

Embroidered design made by William Morris

Morris also dabbled in writing poetry.  The same year he got his degree he financed the monthly issue of The Oxford and Cambridge magazine where his poems often appeared.  Two years later he published his first work called “The Defense of Guenevere and Other Poems.”

One of his last notable endeavors would be creating three different type styles at the Kelmscott Press.  His three types were the Golden type, the Troy type and the Chaucer type.  William Morris was extremely influencial for his time and is remembered as a remarkable designer and craftsman.

Decorated by William Morris from The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer, printed by the Kelmscott Press

References

“William Morris.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/biography/William-Morris-British-artist-and-author/images-videos.