The Art of Wallpaper: Morris & Co

Opening at Watts Gallery on 21 May (until 10 January 2027), The Art of Wallpaper: Morris & Co. is a special opportunity to see original 19th century samples of iconic wallpaper designed by William Morris (1834-1896) and his circle that revolutionised interior design. From much-loved favourites including Pimpernel (1876) and Golden Lily (1899) to rarer designs, the exhibition presents more than 30 original wallpapers from the archive of Morris & Co., the company established by William Morris in 1861 and the cornerstone of the Arts and Crafts Movement. Originally curated by wallpaper and textile historian Mary Schoeser, the exhibition traces the history of Morris & Co., and explores William Morris’s influences, his creative directions and his enduring legacy – that will be seen in a new film by artist Freddie Yauner and a new wallpaper design by artist-researcher Louise Atkinson. Coinciding with The Art of Wallpaper, visitors to Watts Gallery will discover more about the Arts and Crafts legacy of the Gallery’s co-founder, Mary Watts (1849-1938), whose Chapel and Pottery embody Arts and Crafts ideals; and of her husband and co-founder, George Frederic Watts (1817-1904) -whose celebrated portrait of William Morris (1870), on loan from the National Portrait Gallery, will be displayed in the exhibition. William Morris was a revolutionary designer, craftsman, writer, social activist and conservationist who, as a key founder and central figure of the Arts and Crafts Movement...