William Morris: Pattern & Design (Victoria and Albert Museum)

A fabulous visual reference of William Morris’s extensive range of textile and wallpaper designs―a charming book for anyone with a passion for exquisitely designed patterns.

William Morris (1834–1896) was a pioneer of the Arts and Crafts Movement and one of the most influential designers of all time. This exquisitely designed and richly illustrated book brings together more than four hundred of Morris’s ingenious textile and wallpaper patterns in a fascinating, broadly chronological sequence, offering an overview of his work, and an eye-catching glimpse into his life. An invaluable visual reference for designers and Morris admirers alike, this covetable gift book features full-color illustrations throughout.

William Morris: Pattern & Design begins with an introductory overview of Morris’s life and work. It explores how these iconic designs were created and printed in the late nineteenth century, and then shows the patterns, and many alternative colorways. The decade of each pattern is specified on each spread, and the vertical captions give as much uninterrupted space to the patterns as possible. This generously illustrated book showcases iconic designs including the famous Trellis, St. James's, and StrawberryThief, alongside lesser known, but equally fascinating patterns by Morris and Morris & Co. designers such as May Morris, Kate Faulkner, and John Henry Dearle.

The book’s engaging design features a William Morris–inspired green text, and the portable, medium-sized, square format allows readers to flip through the book with ease and enjoy the artistry of Morris's textile and wallpaper designs.

395 color illustrations

Jenny Lister is a curator of textiles and fashion at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, specializing in the nineteenth century. She was a contributor to the highly acclaimed book May Morris: Arts & Crafts Designer.