The William Morris Society

"I do not want art for a few, anymore than education for a few, or freedom for a few." William Morris 1879.

The William Morris Society is a charitable organisation whose aim is to promote the life and work of designer, writer and socialist William Morris, one of the most outstanding figures of the nineteenth century whose influence and ideas remain as important today as they were in his own lifetime. Membership to the Society includes a number of benefits such as a quarterly newsletter, the Journal of W

illiam Morris Studies and a range of talks and events relating to Morris's life and works. We also run a small museum at our premises in Hammersmith, London, in the basement and Coach House of Morris's last home. THE MUSEUM (FREE ENTRY)

Kelmscott House dates from the 1780s and Morris lived here from 1878 until his death in 1896. The Coach House, Library and Basement rooms are open to the public on Thursday and Saturday afternoons from 2-5pm. There are frequent demonstrations on Morris's printing press, and a well stocked shop. MORRIS AT KELMSCOTT HOUSE

Soon after moving into Kelmscott House, Morris began experiments with weaving. He set up a tapestry loom in his ground floor bedroom and carpet looms in the Coach House. The latter were moved to his new works at Merton Abbey in 1881. The small rugs and carpets made here are known as Hammersmith rugs and bear the woven device of a hammer in the border. During the 1870s Morris had become increasingly active in politics. In 1883 he joined the Socialist Democratic Federation and established a branch which met in the Coach House. When he left the Federation in 1885 to form the Socialist League the meetings continued with many distinguished speakers such as Lucy Parsons, Peter Kropotkin and Annie Besant. This tradition continues today with speakers most weekends including Tony Benn. In his last years Morris embarked upon printing by establishing the Kelmscott Press in nearby properties. The Chaucer, the press's greatest book, was completed shortly before he died and one of the proofing presses used in its printing is now on permanent display. THE COLLECTION

We hold the archive of the Kelmscott Fellowship and the Women’s Guild of Arts. Founded in 1918 by May Morris, Emery Walker and AH Verstage, the Kelmscott Fellowship was the forerunner of the William Morris Society, and they merged in 1966. With May Morris at its first President, the Fellowship aimed to keep Morris legacy alive through a series of events and exhibitions, and through an active membership which included Walter Crane, Georgiana Burne-Jones and Emery Walker. The Women’s Guild of Arts was established in 1904 as a reaction to the lack of professional art organisations willing to admit women. May Morris was responsible for organising the may lectures and events that appealed to a wide range of craftswomen. The archive includes minutes of meetings, accounts and membership lists. The collection contains a number of Kelmscott Press titles and working proofs as well as the only printing press used by Morris left in the country. Dating from c1835 it is fully operational and used on a regular basis by our artist in residence. The Society has a comprehensive collection of Morris and Company wallpapers, watercolour designs, and a selection of textiles, ranging from a Hammersmith rug and woven hangings to printed cottons, silks and embroideries. EDUCATION

As a writer, designer, printer, passionate socialist and pioneer of the Arts and Crafts Movement William Morris remains an influential and inspirational figure. The Society offers many ways to learn about and enjoy the work of this eminent Victorian. Learning Outside the Classroom

Visits from schools and local children are vital in strengthening the Society’s links to the community. Over the past 10 years, curator Helen Elletson has been working hard to expand our programme of educational activities. We particularly welcome pupils from Years 5 and 6 who are studying the Victorian period. You can choose between programmes on art, literacy and history and we tailor the learning to suit your needs. Learn about the Arts and Crafts Movement with an up-close look at fascinating artefacts including original textile designs, wallpaper samples, furniture, embroidery and Pre-Raphaelite drawings. Ten and eleven-year-olds can have a go at textile designing, weaving and painting on acetate to create their own “stained glass”. The success of these visits shows that traditional crafts that take their inspiration from Nature can still have a role in the lives of today’s gadget-obsessed kids. Citizenship Programme for Key Stage 2 and 3

Kelmscott House is now offering an innovative Citizenship programme with cross-curricular links to English and History for Key Stage 2 and 3. Teachers, go to the citizenship page to read more about the programme, how you can book your class to take part at the museum, or download the resources to carry out the workshops offsite. http://www.williammorrissociety.org.uk/citizenship.shtml

ALSO Keep an eye out for FREE half-term and summer break drop in workshops! Here is just a small selection of quotes from the thank-you letters Helen received from the pupils of Year 6, Forty Hill Primary School, Enfield, who visited Kelmscott House in December 2008.

“I didn’t know that he used a presser to produce his work plus he used stamps to put words in his books (wow that must have took a long time).” Pervin

“William Morris is my favourite artist.” Sonny

01/06/2026

Bring our collections to life—join us as a part-time tour guide! Lead engaging tours, connect with visitors, and share the stories behind the home of William Morris for the last 18 years of his life. Flexible hours, training, and great team culture.

Interested? Learn more & apply: https://williammorrissociety.org/about-the-society/careers/ 🎟️✨

31/05/2026

Calling all designers, makers, crafters, and artisans! 🎨✨

We’re excited to announce that stallholder applications are now open for our Artisan Fair at the William Morris Society.

📍 Taking place on Sunday 5 July, this event will be held at the historic home of William Morris for the last 18 years of his life, on the bustling banks of the River Thames in Hammersmith – a much-loved spot in the summer!

The fair will bring together talented creatives, independent makers, and unique handcrafted work in an inspiring heritage setting that celebrates art, craft, and design.

Would you like to join us?

If you create beautiful, original pieces and would like the opportunity to showcase and sell your work, we’d love to hear from you.

📩 To apply for a stallholder space or for more information, please contact Events Manager, Olivia Johnson Hyland at [email protected]. Questions are welcome!

We hope you can join us for what promises to be a fantastic day celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and community.

Photos from The William Morris Society's post

28/05/2026

Step into our hidden green space for this year’s London Open Gardens!🌿🌱

Alongside access to our beautiful garden by the river, and Albion printing press demonstrations, discover a stunning collection of William Morris tea towels by artist and designer, .

These beautiful tea towels reveal the fascinating journey of Morris’s iconic patterns: from their original Arts & Crafts ideals of beauty and craftsmanship to their appearance on mass-produced domestic goods today. David’s work playfully reimagines these familiar designs, uncovering the stories and everlasting appeal behind them.

Come and explore:
☕️ The stunning tea towel installation
🏛️ A historic garden and museum beside the Thames
🌸 The stories behind Morris’s designs and their lasting influence

Whether you’re a garden lover, design enthusiast, or searching for something beautiful and useful, we’d love to welcome you!

📸 originally installed at the William Morris Gallery in Walthamstow

27/05/2026

A chance to step inside two extraordinary arts and crafts treasures in London ✨

Join us on 10th June for a specialist textiles tour led by embroidery expert, Sally Roberson, exploring the remarkable collections of both The William Morris Society at Kelmscott House and Emery Walker’s House. 🧵

Hear the stories behind these historic interiors and discover exquisite examples of May Morris’ work as well.

The afternoon begins with tea and coffee at Kelmscott House before a guided riverside walk to the recently restored Emery Walker’s House in Hammersmith.

🕜 1:30pm start at The William Morris Society
🔗 Book now for this unique experience: https://linktr.ee/WilliamMorrisSociety

22/05/2026

☀️We might be biased, but we reckon a trip to the William Morris Society Museum is the perfect way to escape the heat this weekend!

🍃Feel the riverside breeze, step into our cool heritage house and treat yourself to a refreshing lemonade in our shop. Our garden will be open as well so come in and enjoy.

Please note we will be closed for a private event on Saturday 23rd May until 1pm.

Book via the link in our bio or buy admission on arrival

21/05/2026

“If you want a golden rule that will fit everything, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”

William Morris transformed walls, fabrics, and interiors into living gardens. His wallpapers carried roses, vines, lilies, and foliage into indoor spaces – blurring the boundary between home and garden.

Today, Chelsea Flower Show continues to celebrate the creative ways gardens can shape our everyday spaces – from indoor plant studios to floral art installations that explore how individual ambitions can benefit whole ecosystems and reveal the hidden complexities of plant life.

More than a century later, Morris’s designs still remind us how deeply connected our interiors can be to the natural world.

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20/05/2026

“The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life.”

🌷William Morris studied plants closely, noticing twisting stems, layered leaves, curling petals, and the movement of birds through gardens.

🪻His designs were shaped not by imagination alone, but by careful observation of the natural world around him. Looking closely at nature allowed him to create patterns full of rhythm, texture, and life.

Chelsea Flower Show is filled with these small details: colours, textures, and forms that reward us for simply slowing down and paying attention.

Design for 'Jasmine' Wallpaper, by William Morris, 1872

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19/05/2026

Long before sustainability became a modern conversation, William Morris revived traditional natural dye techniques. Many of the colours in his textiles works came from the garden itself.

Using plants, roots, and minerals, he sought colours with richness, depth, and harmony with nature. Indigo and woad created deep blues, madder root produced warm reds, and weld gave bright yellow tones.

As this year’s Chelsea Flower Show highlights sustainable gardening and thoughtful design, Morris’s commitment to craftsmanship and natural materials feels as relevant as ever.

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18/05/2026

“Nature is always beautiful.” – William Morris

🪻As the Chelsea Flower Show opens this week, we’re reminded of how deeply Morris valued the natural world as a source of creativity, comfort and joy.

Morris believed that beauty and nature should be part of everyday life, so through his floral wallpapers and textiles he brought the movement, colour and energy of gardens into the home.

🌿From climbing vines to flowing willow leaves, his designs continue to encourage us to notice the beauty of nature that surrounds us every day.

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17/05/2026

Looking for a fun and creative half-term activity? 🌟

Join us at the museum at a workshop for children aged 6-12, inspired by William Morris’ Strawberry Thief! 🍓

You will create a nest from foraged materials - making the Strawberry Thief, her eggs, and a giant strawberry too. All materials are included, and everything goes home with you!

📅 10.30am-12.30pm, Wednesday 27 May
👉️ Spaces are limited, so book early: https://linktr.ee/WilliamMorrisSociety

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Location

London

Telephone

+442087413735

Website

http://www.williammorrissociety.org/, https://williammorrissociety.digitickets.co.uk/category/68400?branches.branchID=36

Address

Kelmscott House/Coach House 26 Upper Mall
London
W69TA

Opening Hours

Thursday	10am - 4pm
Friday	10am - 4pm
Saturday	10am - 4pm
Sunday	10am - 4pm