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William Morris by Himself: Designs and Writings
William Morris by Himself Designs and Writings Author:William Morris, Gillian Naylor (Editor) William Morris is the most influential British designer of the last 100 years and this collection combines Morris's writings with his famous designs for wallpapers, fabrics, tapestries, embroideries, carpets, books and stained glass. Through his own work and in his own words, the book traces the progress of William Morris, Pre-Raphaelite poe... more »t and architectural student, into designer, writer and pioneer socialist.
His youthful enthusiasm for the Middle Ages and Gothic cathedrals fired him with the conviction that he must dedicate his life to "Art". Later letters written to friends, explain how, in the industrialized nineteenth century, Morris became preoccupied with the loss of traditional skills and pride in work and how, in an attempt to revitalize the dying arts and demonstrate the joys of labor, he set up his own workshops for the production of textiles.
During the last ten years of his life he became increasingly involved in political agitation, and his stories, poems and lectures all reflect his commitment to the socialist cause and his ideals for art and society. Other extracts from his letters and poems reveal more intimate aspects of Morris's life and personality, reflecting the despair and isolation he felt at the breakdown of his marriage and demonstrates his reliance on the friends who helped him through his personal crisis.
William Morris by Himself is illustrated with color photographs of Morris's designs, woodblocks, fabrics, wallpapers and windows. Morris fabrics and wallpapers in museum collections have been photographed specially for this book and are accompanied by many of his original pencil and water color designs, including sketches and preparatory works. William Morris by Himself is a tribute to an exceptional man, whose work and reputation have survived for more than a century.« less