A Compelling Choice For Home Decor - William Morris Tapestries

During the Victorian era Morris tapestries were renowned for their quality and finish, and their attention to detail. Each design was meticulously woven and was a prefect blend of ancient art and modern technique. It is no surprise that even now, a century later, modern decorators are looking again at the Morris legacy for their modern décor aspirations.

Originally founded as Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co in 1861, Morris & Co were renowned for the design and production of very high quality decorative art. The range of works included textiles, tapestries and stained glass work, much of which still survives today.

Founded on the Pre-Raphaelite principle of authenticity, William Morris embraced an ideal that viewed modern art as mere mass production, with none of the verve and dynamism of earlier approaches, in particular Medieval art, which they believed retained more of the artist's original personality in the work, lending it a uniqueness lost in mass production.

Through an early love of poetry Morris soon taught himself printing and from that learned to weave and work a loom. It was the latter pursuit that would come to demonstrate Morris's talent at it's most impressive. His wall tapestries became his most famous creations.

It was Morris's ambition to breathe new life into the art and he achieved it. Morris's wall hangings and tapestries still remain an important influence on design today. His most famous works generally featured figures drew by Burne-Jones. Morris would design the background and the tapestry would be woven by Morris & Co.

One of the most intricate and beautiful creations from the company is the Tree of Life tapestry. Designed by Morris it demonstrates his talent with patterns and his awareness and appreciation of the use of color. Symbolising growth and continuous life, the Tree of Life wall hanging is still one Morris's most recognised works.

Morris & Co.'s most popular religious tapestry The Adoration of Magi was first produced in 1890. As well as being Morris's most ecclesiastical it was also the most complex. At least ten similar versions of the tapestry were woven between 1890-1907. Originally designed by Burne-Jones the tapestry depicts the Nativity scene.

The Quest for the Holy Grail, currently exhibited at the Birmingham Museum is one of the most well known works of Morris & Co. Like many of the others, the tapestry, which depicts the fascinating story of the search for the Holy Grail, was designed by Edward Burne-Jones. It is one of six wall hangings illustrating the story and was woven in 1895-96.

Possibly the most captivating and charming of Morris & Co.'s tapestries is the Honour the women. Designed by Marianne Stokes the hanging was inspired by a quotation from Friedrich von Schiller's 1796 poem "Wurde der Frauen" (Women's Worth), which appears in the upper border: "Honour the Women, they braid and weave heavenly roses into earthly life."

However all William Morris tapestries are designed along similar lines, with vivid colors, striking subject matter and exceptional attention to detail.

Tapestries are one of William Morris's most enduring legacies. By the mid-19th century wall tapestries had become just another mass produced item. Driven by the need to demonstrate the importance of the individual over the means of production Morris used tapestry and textile design to revitalize the central importance of creativity in art.

Its effect was not only felt during the Victorian era, but also well into the 20th century influencing many modern graphic designers to experiment in new areas of design. Morris's approach, to assume all aspects of a work were open to experiment, has become more commonplace, but was unusual for its day.

Morris was one of the most prolific artists of the 19th century. The works of William Morris are proof that real beauty can be timeless. As popular today as they were over a century ago, Morris's art has continued to inspire new generations of art lovers looking for something more striking for their home décor choices.

Angela Dawson-Field writes extensively on home decor and tapestry & wall hangings. She divides her time between family and The Tapestry House