Design enthusiasts encounter a fusion of William Morris' aesthetic and the more sinister aspects of the industry in a recently unveiled exhibit in London.
The William Morris Gallery in London is set to host a captivating exhibition titled "Morris Mania: How Britain's greatest designer went viral" from 5 April to 21 September 2025. This exhibition delves into the wide-reaching impact and legacy of William Morris, one of Britain's most influential designers [1].
Housing the world’s largest collection of Morris’s work, the gallery aims to share his rich artistic and social legacy. The exhibition highlights Morris’s roles as a designer, craftsman, writer, social activist, and conservationist [2]. Although specific objects on display are not itemized, the gallery’s permanent collection includes Morris’s original design works, textiles, wallpapers, printed materials, and crafts that reflect his revolutionary approach to design and socialism.
The exhibition also features contemporary artist responses and reinterpretations of Morris’s designs, as demonstrated by community and family engagement activities such as screen printing workshops led by local artist Angry Dan [3]. This suggests a blend of historic works by Morris and modern interpretations of his designs.
A section of the exhibition showcases instances where Morris' work is still being produced by skilled artisans. In addition, donations of Morris-print objects from the public are being accepted, including unique items like chopsticks, a waving cat from Japan, hand-embroidered wedding jackets, Wellington boots, and various mugs and biscuit tins [4].
The exhibition balances between championing the creativity of William Morris and considering his impact in the context of an increasingly commodified world. It examines how skilled craftsmanship and pride in making something well are still important for many contemporary creatives and consumers [5].
The show also explores the changing dynamic of design in the modern world, particularly the mass-production and computer-generated copies of Morris' designs. Objects on display include items from private collections, such as 'Willow' pattern Nike trainers, a 'Rose' patterned seat from the 1980s British Nuclear Submarine Fleet, and fashion from Loewe inspired by Morris' designs [6].
Visitors can enjoy a series of talks and events happening within the gallery as part of the 'Morris Mania' exhibition. The exhibition marks 75 years of the William Morris Gallery, making it a significant milestone in the gallery's history [7].
The William Morris Gallery is located in Morris' Grade II*-listed former home, providing a fitting backdrop for the exhibition [8]. For those interested in exploring Morris' legacy, 'Morris Mania' is a must-visit event.
References: 1. The Guardian 2. William Morris Gallery 3. Angry Dan 4. BBC News 5. Design Week 6. Dezeen 7. The Telegraph 8. Historic England
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