Kelmscott Manor’s 2025 exhibition draws on the collections of the Society of Antiquaries of London to follow William Morris (1834 – 1896) from boyhood to grave.
To do so it takes visitors through the books the Victorian art and design pioneer read, wrote, collected and designed, and concludes with a look at his legacy in the field of book arts.
Morris is celebrated as the father of the Arts and Crafts Movement, famous for the designs that express his reverence for Nature, but also have their roots firmly planted in history.
He learned about both through reading, declaring himself to have been ‘a great devourer of books’ from a young age. As his life unfolded, Morris developed into one of the great polymaths of his age, continually juggling overlapping projects and renowned by all who knew him for his astounding energy.
He joked that: 'If a chap can't compose an epic poem while he's weaving tapestry ... he'll never do any good at all.' Whatever he was doing, and wherever he was, words mattered.
Not only was Morris a poet and author, but also taught himself many of the crafts associated with fine book production. These were put into practice in his last great project, the Kelmscott Press, launched in 1891. Its impact was profound, prompting the private press movement that flourished during the early part of the 20th century, and continuing to influence many of today’s private presses and book artists.
When William Morris’s library was dispersed following his death, his widow and daughters retained a small proportion of it, largely books he had given to them. These remained at Kelmscott Manor and form the majority of the exhibits in this exhibition.
Exhibits include:
- Examples of the books Morris owned and read whilst a student at the University of Oxford
- An annotated copy of his first volume of poetry, The Defence of Guenevere (1858)
- Examples of Morris’s renowned collection of early printed books and manuscripts, including an exquisite 12th-century illuminated manuscript bible
- Kelmscott Press publications, including the copy of the famed Kelmscott Chaucer given by Morris to his daughter, May. Also Morris’s design for the pigskin cover of the Chaucer, and some of the tools used to make it.
- Volumes by some of the leading late 19th- and early 20th-century private presses such as the Ashendene Press and Essex House Press
- Fine bindings by Katharine Adams and the Doves Bindery
Award-winning poet Robert Seater and acclaimed visual artist Jessica Palmer will bring the fascinating stories and compelling atmosphere of Kelmscott Manor to life as part of the Manor’s programme of learning and public engagement alongside the exhibition. There will also be a series of drop in workshops throughout the season.
Full details of the exhibitions and other Kelmscott Manor treasures can be found at https://kelmscottmanor.org.uk/
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