The William Morris Society

Name: The William Morris Society
Address: Kelmscott House/Coach House 26 Upper Mall, London, W69TA, GB
Telephone: +442087413735
Price range: $
Rating: 4.8

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The William Morris Society

The William Morris Society "I do not want art for a few, anymore than education for a few, or freedom for a few." William Morris 1879.

illiam Morris Studies and a range of talks and events relating to Morris's life and works. We also run a small museum at our premises in Hammersmith, London, in the basement and Coach House of Morris's last home. THE MUSEUM (FREE ENTRY)

Kelmscott House dates from the 1780s and Morris lived here from 1878 until his death in 1896. The Coach House, Library and Basement rooms are open to the public on Thursday and Saturday afternoons from 2-5pm. There are frequent demonstrations on Morris's printing press, and a well stocked shop. MORRIS AT KELMSCOTT HOUSE

Soon after moving into Kelmscott House, Morris began experiments with weaving. He set up a tapestry loom in his ground floor bedroom and carpet looms in the Coach House. The latter were moved to his new works at Merton Abbey in 1881. The small rugs and carpets made here are known as Hammersmith rugs and bear the woven device of a hammer in the border. During the 1870s Morris had become increasingly active in politics. In 1883 he joined the Socialist Democratic Federation and established a branch which met in the Coach House. When he left the Federation in 1885 to form the Socialist League the meetings continued with many distinguished speakers such as Lucy Parsons, Peter Kropotkin and Annie Besant. This tradition continues today with speakers most weekends including Tony Benn. In his last years Morris embarked upon printing by establishing the Kelmscott Press in nearby properties. The Chaucer, the press's greatest book, was completed shortly before he died and one of the proofing presses used in its printing is now on permanent display. THE COLLECTION

We hold the archive of the Kelmscott Fellowship and the Women’s Guild of Arts. Founded in 1918 by May Morris, Emery Walker and AH Verstage, the Kelmscott Fellowship was the forerunner of the William Morris Society, and they merged in 1966. With May Morris at its first President, the Fellowship aimed to keep Morris legacy alive through a series of events and exhibitions, and through an active membership which included Walter Crane, Georgiana Burne-Jones and Emery Walker. The Women’s Guild of Arts was established in 1904 as a reaction to the lack of professional art organisations willing to admit women. May Morris was responsible for organising the may lectures and events that appealed to a wide range of craftswomen. The archive includes minutes of meetings, accounts and membership lists. The collection contains a number of Kelmscott Press titles and working proofs as well as the only printing press used by Morris left in the country. Dating from c1835 it is fully operational and used on a regular basis by our artist in residence. The Society has a comprehensive collection of Morris and Company wallpapers, watercolour designs, and a selection of textiles, ranging from a Hammersmith rug and woven hangings to printed cottons, silks and embroideries. EDUCATION

As a writer, designer, printer, passionate socialist and pioneer of the Arts and Crafts Movement William Morris remains an influential and inspirational figure. The Society offers many ways to learn about and enjoy the work of this eminent Victorian. Learning Outside the Classroom

Visits from schools and local children are vital in strengthening the Society’s links to the community. Over the past 10 years, curator Helen Elletson has been working hard to expand our programme of educational activities. We particularly welcome pupils from Years 5 and 6 who are studying the Victorian period. You can choose between programmes on art, literacy and history and we tailor the learning to suit your needs. Learn about the Arts and Crafts Movement with an up-close look at fascinating artefacts including original textile designs, wallpaper samples, furniture, embroidery and Pre-Raphaelite drawings. Ten and eleven-year-olds can have a go at textile designing, weaving and painting on acetate to create their own “stained glass”. The success of these visits shows that traditional crafts that take their inspiration from Nature can still have a role in the lives of today’s gadget-obsessed kids. Citizenship Programme for Key Stage 2 and 3

Kelmscott House is now offering an innovative Citizenship programme with cross-curricular links to English and History for Key Stage 2 and 3. Teachers, go to the citizenship page to read more about the programme, how you can book your class to take part at the museum, or download the resources to carry out the workshops offsite. http://www.williammorrissociety.org.uk/citizenship.shtml

ALSO Keep an eye out for FREE half-term and summer break drop in workshops! Here is just a small selection of quotes from the thank-you letters Helen received from the pupils of Year 6, Forty Hill Primary School, Enfield, who visited Kelmscott House in December 2008.

“I didn’t know that he used a presser to produce his work plus he used stamps to put words in his books (wow that must have took a long time).” Pervin

“William Morris is my favourite artist.” Sonny

20/03/2025

It's which means it's time to support your local heritage sites! Visit the William Morris Society Museum this Thursday, Saturday or Sunday from 1-4pm and enjoy a sunny walk along the Thames in Hammersmith while you're at it!☀️

View the vast collection from the Society's main benefactor, Helena Stephenson, who not only donated Kelmscott House to us in 1970 but her entire Morris & Co. collection of textiles, wallpapers, original designs and more!

12/03/2025

"We are only the trustees for those who come after us" 🌳 - William Morris in 1889, during an address to the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings 🏛️

08/03/2025

Due to a shortage of volunteers, the Society will be unable to open today. We will reopen tomorrow under our normal hours 1-4pm. We hope you can join us then for a beautiful day along the Thames!

04/03/2025

🚨Join us tomorrow, Wednesday 5th March, online and in person at 6pm with Rowan Bain, Curator at the William Morris Gallery, for her talk on William Morris and Art from the Islamic World. The talk will explore Morris's own collection and it's connection to Islamic art and decoration.
Visit the link in our bio to book your tickets now!

03/03/2025

'Spring', an exert from the poem 'I am Day' in Poems by the Way, 1891 🌷

23/02/2025

Fancy getting up close and personal with textiles from both our collection at the William Morris Society and Emery Walker's House? 👀

Book onto one of our upcoming textile tours of these 2 historic Arts and Crafts houses, where you will be led by textiles and embroidery expert Sally Roberson 🧵

Next tours: 5th March & 9th April 📅 Go to the link in our bio to book now! 🔗

18/02/2025

👋Have you visited our museum lately? Come view our wonderful collection of William Morris, and Morris & Co. designs and original artwork while learning about the amazing woman and benefactor of the William Morris Society, Helena Stephenson!
🏡The final owner of Kelmscott House, before bequeathing it to the society in 1970, Helena also donated a large collection of Morris & Co. work including wallpapers, textiles, books, designs, and other ephemera.
☀️Visit us on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1-4pm

📷: 'Evenlode' Printed Cotton, William Morris, 1883

14/02/2025

Happy Valentine's Day❤️

Image: Romance of the Rose tapestry, designed by Morris and Burne-Jones and created by Morris & Co 🌹

03/02/2025

It's National Embroidery Month! Can you guess which embroidery design was stitched by who?🤔

Textiles played a big role in the Morris family, especially with May and Jane taking on large roles in the stitching department of Morris & Co🧵

Image 1: 'Minstrel with Cymbals' stitched by May Morris, 1885
Image 2: 'Acanthus' designed by William Morris, made by Morris & Co circa 1880
Image 3: Embroidery from the Red House, stitched by Jane Morris, circa 1860-65

26/01/2025

Today we remember Jane Morris, who died in 1914, age 74.

She died from a short illness, however had suffered from suspected chronic illness and pain her whole life. In 1913, she purchased Kelmscott Manor for her daughters May and Jenny to live in, but never returned before her sudden death in Bath, England.

She is immortalised in many Pre-Raphaelite paintings, as an infamous muse and model. However, she is also remembered for her talents in embroidery, and important role she took within Morris & Co.🧵

She is buried in Kelmscott, alongside her husband.

24/01/2025

“I do not want art for a few, any more than education for a few, or freedom for a few” William Morris, 1887 🎨

19/01/2025

The library here at Kelmscott House recently acquired a new addition! 'Sring's Immortaliy: And Other Poems' was originally given to Morris by the author Mackenzie Bell📖

To celebrate, our next 'Coffee with a Curator' event will cover the scope and history of the library at Kelmscott House, as well as the books Morris collected. There's still time to come along! The talk is online on 22nd January, 11am. Tickets in bio! 🔗

15/01/2025

Today's is this membership card for the Democratic Federation 🗃️ In 1883, Morris joined what was soon to be known as the Social Democratic Federation. But in 1884, Morris, among other notable socialist figures, resigned and set up the Socialist League.

Meetings took place in the Coach House, here at Kelmscott House. Speakers would come to lecture, followed by debates led by Morris🗣️

05/01/2025

Looking to beat the January blues? 💙 Swipe to see what we've got on this January!➡️

As well as our ongoing exhibition, Highlights from the Helena Stephenson Collection, we also have talks about Morris at Merton Abbey and his library here at Kelmscott House!

🔗 Go to the link in our bio to book the talks, and come along to see our exhibition on a Thursday, Saturday or Sunday!

01/01/2025

Happy New Year to all our followers, supporters and members, from everyone at the William Morris Society! 🎉 We hope 2025 brings you health and happiness!💐

29/12/2024

Which Morris are you during the holidays?🤔

Swipe to see four of Edward Burne Jones's cartoons of Morris➡️

Burne Jones made many comical sketches of Morris over the years of their friendship, many of which were collected in an album by Jane Morris.

25/12/2024

Merry Christmas, from our family to yours! 🎄

We hope you're having a joyful Christmas, however you're celebrating❄️

Image: An Angel Holding a Waning Moon - Angel of the Night, circa 1862

22/12/2024

"We rode together
In the winter weather
To the broad mead under the hill;
Though the skies did shiver
With the cold, the river
Ran, and was never still"

The first stanza of William Morris's poem, 'Winter Weather' ❄️

Address

Kelmscott House/Coach House 26 Upper Mall
London
W69TA

Telephone

+442087413735

Website

http://www.williammorrissociety.org/, http://williammorrissocietyshop.com/

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Videos

Start checking off your Holiday shopping List!.mp4

It's #museumshopsunday and it's time to start thinking about your holiday gift ideas!🎄We have exciting additions to our museum and online shop so you can find the perfect gift for all the Morrisians in your life🧔‍♂️ All proceeds from shop purchases go directly back into keeping the Society running! #williammorris #artsandcrafts #holidayshopping #christmasshopping #museumgiftshop #giftshop #londonmuseum #museumshopsunday #williammorrissociety

Macbeth Centre Student Exhibition 24th October - 7th November 2024.mp4

Visit us this weekend from 2-5pm to view the work of the talented artists and craft makers from The Macbeth Centre, an adult education hub in Hammersmith. Each year, the William Morris Society partners with the Macbeth Centre, to display their students' work. A range of works have been chosen to display the breadth of skills that are honed through the classes at Macbeth and that perpetuate contemporary craft in support of artists and craft makers in the name of William Morris. Morris championed the preservation of all crafts to ensure they continued to be practiced in the future. The students at Macbeth continue this legacy. Exhibition open until Thursday 7th November 2024 #williammorris #williammorrissociety #macbethcentre #macbethexhibition2024 #hammersmithandfulham #handf #community #londonartists #artsandcraftsmovement

Process.mp4

Looking for the ultimate unique gift? Our latest @craftscouncil maker is @lizpadghammajor of 'The Accidental Stitcher' with her truly special, hand stitched embroidered brooches🐦Did we mention each brooch is one-of-a-kind?! Visit our online shop or visit us at our 26 Upper Mall museum to get yours today🙌 #williammorris #ccdirectory #ccmakers #handembroidered #embroidery #artsandcrafts #williammorrissociety #museumshopsunday #giftshopsunday #contemporarycraft

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We're so excited to announce that we have partnered with @theroundwindow, stained glass artist Flora Jamieson, on another round of her popular collection of painted quarries exclusive to @williammorrissocietyuk🙌 If you missed out last time, now's your chance to get one of these beautiful stained glass pieces, perfect for spring!🐤🌸 Find the link in our bio and head to our shop to get yours now 👀 #ccmakers #stainedglass #paintedglass #ukartists #williammorris #williammorrissociety #artsandcrafts #ccdirectory #craftscouncil #spring

Rosa Harradine video.mp4

We're back with our @craftscouncil x @williammorrissociety collaboration with maker @rosaharradine a 2022 TOAST New Maker. Rosa's brooms and brushes are handmade by Rosa herself from entirely natural materials including arenga, tampico, and broomcorn fibers. The brushes are both beautiful and useful and make wonderful gifts🎁 Visit our museum shop to get yours today! #craftscouncil #ccdirectory #williammorrissociety #handmadeuk #localmakers #londonmuseum #williammorris #artsandcrafts #giftshop #kelmscotthouse #naturalcraft

Birthday.mp4

Celebrating the man himself, it is William Morris's 190th birthday today!🥳 Born 24 March 1834, Morris was a revolutionary force in Victorian Britain whose work dramatically changed the fashions and ideologies of the era. As a craftsman, designer, poet, printer, socialist, novelist, and environmentalist, Morris was not only influential in his own time, but his legacy remains alive and important today. Want to learn more about all aspects of the polymaths life? Join the Society's membership program and get our magazine and journal to keep the work of William Morris going! Visit link in bio to learn more. #williammorris #happybirthday #190thbirthday #williammorrissociety #morrisandco #interiordesign #kelmscotthouse #designhistory #legacy

Untitled design (4).mp4

Happy World Book Day 2024!📚 With our premises under construction and our collection off site, we thought we'd share a throw-back to our Curator changing the page of our beloved Kelmscott Chaucer😍 The Kelmscott Chaucer was the last title printed by the Kelmscott Press that was overseen by Morris before his death in 1896. It represents the culmination of Morris’s pursuit of the “Ideal Book” and is widely considered one of the most beautiful books ever printed. It was described by Sir Edward Burne-Jones as “like a pocket cathedral.” The Kelmscott Chaucer took four years to complete (1892-1896) and was the largest project the Press ever undertook. Morris and Burne-Jones had a shared love of Chaucer’s poetry since their time as students at Oxford and had spoken about printing their own edition of the Canterbury Tales well before the founding of the Kelmscott Press. All 486 copies of the Kelmscott Chaucer were presold before the book went to print. This popularity led Morris to purchase a third Albion press, that worked almost exclusively on printing the Kelmscott Chaucer. The finished book contains 87 illustrations by Burne-Jones, a woodcut title page, 14 large borders, 18 frames and 26 initial words designed by Morris. #worldbookday2024 #kelmscottpress #williammorris #williammorrissociety #privatepress #nineteenthcenturypress #albionpress #kelmscotthouse #edwardburnejones #kelmscotthouse #kelmscottchaucer

Untitled video - Made with Clipchamp.mp4

🙌Joining our line-up of @craftscouncil artists is Rob Jones of @romordesigns with his stunning Katagami stenciled Indigo dyed tote bags. Now available in our museum and online shop (link in bio)! 🌿It's clear that Rob takes the greatest pleasure in creating his Japanese inspired textiles as seen in his process video. The process and intent behind the object is just as important as the finished product! Katagami is the ancient art of stenciling in Japan. To qualify as a Katagami stencil cutter you must apprentice for 10 years! #ccdirectory #ccmakers #romordesigns #katagami #japanesetextiles #textilesartist #indigo #indigodye #artsandcraftsmovement #williammorris #britishdesign #japanesedesign #williammorrissociety

FullSizeRender.MOV

🦋We're so excited to have the work of stained glass artist, Flora Jamieson @theroundwindow, in our shop! Not only are we in love with the finished product, which you can find in our online shop(link in bio), but we're mesmerized by Flora's process work in this video. Flora's contemporary and traditional stained glass designs are inspired by graphic design, the natural world, organic forms and geometric patterns. Flora has also taken inspiration from William Morris and Morris & Co. designs in work which is very much evident here. This exclusive range of quarries featuring birds, insects, and floral motifs is all hand painted using traditional stained glass techniques. Produced in partnership with @craftscouncil. 🎵 Song: 'Lull' by artist Vraell #ccmakers #ccdirectory #florajamieson #stainedglass #williammorris #williammorrissociety #artsandcraftsmovement #contemporarycraft #traditionalcraft #design #britishdesign #processwork

0810(1).mp4

We're excited to announce a collaboration with Crafts Council UK 🥳 Together, we're shining a spotlight on local artisans by showcasing their incredible work in our shop! Our lineup begins with two talented creators: Flora Jamieson, a stained-glass artist, and Rob Jones (Romor Designs), a textile artist. Get ready to explore their creations in-store starting now for a limited time only! 👀 #ccdirectory #ccmakers

Untitled design.mp4

In 1960, the William Morris Society was fortunate enough to be gifted a collection of deeds that shed light on Morris's tenure at Red House from 1859 to 1865. 🌟 These parchment pieces, adorned with intricate ink handwriting, meticulously outline the parameters of the land acquisitions. Impressively sizeable, they extend over one meter horizontally and just under one meter vertically when fully unfurled! �The first of these deeds, dated August 1862 and spanning 1.07 meters, is a testament to the era's meticulous legal documentation. The second deed, dated March 24th, 1859, holds particular significance as it pertains to William Morris's direct acquisition of the land on which Red House would eventually stand. 🏠 Enjoy seeing gems like this in our collection? Let us know what you'd like to see next! #williammorrissociety #redhouse #williammorris #artsandcrafts #buildinghistory #architecturalhistory #britishhistory #arthistory #museum #londonmuseums #hammersmithandfulham #kelmscotthouse

The William Morris Society is very excited to announce that we will be taking part as inspirational speakers at the @interfloraUK 2023 World Cup in Manchester this September from the 7-9th. The Society will be delivering a talk each day of the event and will also be taking part in the Artisan Market where you can find all things Morris and flowers. To learn more about it and how to get tickets head to this link https://buff.ly/3saeqEr We hope to see you there! #InterfloraWorldCup2023 #Interflora #FloralArt #Floristry #Flowers #CompetitionFloristry #FloristryWorldCup #ArtisanMarket #SupportLocal #LocalTraders #Artisan #williammorrissociety #sustainability #kelmscotthouse #artsandcrafts

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Our Story

The William Morris Society is a charitable organisation whose aim is to promote the life and work of designer, writer and socialist William Morris, one of the most outstanding figures of the nineteenth century whose influence and ideas remain as important today as they were in his own lifetime. Membership to the Society includes a number of benefits such as a quarterly newsletter, the Journal of William Morris Studies and a range of talks and events relating to Morris's life and works. We also run a small museum at our premises in Hammersmith, London, in the basement and Coach House of Morris's last home. THE MUSEUM (FREE ENTRY) Kelmscott House dates from the 1780s and Morris lived here from 1878 until his death in 1896. The Coach House, Library and Basement rooms are open to the public on Thursday and Saturday afternoons from 2-5pm. There are frequent demonstrations on Morris's printing press, and a well stocked shop. MORRIS AT KELMSCOTT HOUSE Soon after moving into Kelmscott House, Morris began experiments with weaving. He set up a tapestry loom in his ground floor bedroom and carpet looms in the Coach House. The latter were moved to his new works at Merton Abbey in 1881. The small rugs and carpets made here are known as Hammersmith rugs and bear the woven device of a hammer in the border. During the 1870s Morris had become increasingly active in politics. In 1883 he joined the Socialist Democratic Federation and established a branch which met in the Coach House. When he left the Federation in 1885 to form the Socialist League the meetings continued with many distinguished speakers such as Lucy Parsons, Peter Kropotkin and Annie Besant. This tradition continues today with speakers most weekends including Tony Benn. In his last years Morris embarked upon printing by establishing the Kelmscott Press in nearby properties. The Chaucer, the press's greatest book, was completed shortly before he died and one of the proofing presses used in its printing is now on permanent display. THE COLLECTION We hold the archive of the Kelmscott Fellowship and the Women’s Guild of Arts. Founded in 1918 by May Morris, Emery Walker and AH Verstage, the Kelmscott Fellowship was the forerunner of the William Morris Society, and they merged in 1966. With May Morris at its first President, the Fellowship aimed to keep Morris legacy alive through a series of events and exhibitions, and through an active membership which included Walter Crane, Georgiana Burne-Jones and Emery Walker. The Women’s Guild of Arts was established in 1904 as a reaction to the lack of professional art organisations willing to admit women. May Morris was responsible for organising the may lectures and events that appealed to a wide range of craftswomen. The archive includes minutes of meetings, accounts and membership lists. The collection contains a number of Kelmscott Press titles and working proofs as well as the only printing press used by Morris left in the country. Dating from c1835 it is fully operational and used on a regular basis by our artist in residence. The Society has a comprehensive collection of Morris and Company wallpapers, watercolour designs, and a selection of textiles, ranging from a Hammersmith rug and woven hangings to printed cottons, silks and embroideries. EDUCATION As a writer, designer, printer, passionate socialist and pioneer of the Arts and Crafts Movement William Morris remains an influential and inspirational figure. The Society offers many ways to learn about and enjoy the work of this eminent Victorian. Learning Outside the Classroom Visits from schools and local children are vital in strengthening the Society’s links to the community. Over the past 10 years, curator Helen Elletson has been working hard to expand our programme of educational activities. We particularly welcome pupils from Years 5 and 6 who are studying the Victorian period. You can choose between programmes on art, literacy and history and we tailor the learning to suit your needs. Learn about the Arts and Crafts Movement with an up-close look at fascinating artefacts including original textile designs, wallpaper samples, furniture, embroidery and Pre-Raphaelite drawings. Ten and eleven-year-olds can have a go at textile designing, weaving and painting on acetate to create their own “stained glass”. The success of these visits shows that traditional crafts that take their inspiration from Nature can still have a role in the lives of today’s gadget-obsessed kids. Citizenship Programme for Key Stage 2 and 3 Kelmscott House is now offering an innovative Citizenship programme with cross-curricular links to English and History for Key Stage 2 and 3. Teachers, go to the citizenship page to read more about the programme, how you can book your class to take part at the museum, or download the resources to carry out the workshops offsite. http://www.williammorrissociety.org.uk/citizenship.shtml ALSO Keep an eye out for FREE half-term and summer break drop in workshops!