In his designs, William Morris combined his two greatest passions: the wonder of nature and a socialist belief that everyone should have access to art and beauty. His work has become almost too successful, reproduced on iPhone cases, shopping trolleys and AI-fabricated posters. A new exhibition at the William Morris Gallery brings together everyday items decorated with his patterns, including many featured in photographs sent to the gallery by members of the public. “We’ve been overwhelmed with the response and have everything from collapsible walking sticks to chopsticks, and all manner of mugs and crockery,” says the gallery’s director, Hadrian Garrard. “The sheer brilliance of his designs and the fact that he wanted people to observe and appreciate a perfect expression of nature is something that endures.”
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