William Morris Wallpaper

“Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful”

William Morris, 1877

William Morris is an iconic name in the wallpaper industry. As one of the founders of the Arts and Crafts movement in the 18th Century he revolutionised wallpaper around 1860 in England, reviving the block printing method.

He was best known for his nature inspired and floral designs. The wallpaper designer created 50 intricate hand block printed designs with an interest in native British flora and plants that you might find walking around the English countryside. This wasnt fashionable at a time where exotic French designs were more popular but gradually gained momentum into 1870.

One of his earliest designs was labeled fruit and has been reproduced with a more modern colour palette and design feel.

His intent was for his wallpapers to have harmony and balance with a certain geometry or symmetry to the patterns.

Eventually artists and aristocrats started to use his wallpapers, eventuating in a redecoration of St. James’s Palace for Queen Victoria. This prestigious honour cemented his place in British wallpaper design history.

Morris and Co the company William Morris co-founded is still around today with 160 years of artistic heritage. Many other companies have also recreated the original works ensuring the William Morris branding lives on in modern homes today.