An Overview of the Life and Work of William Morris

Fiona Rose


Region:
East of England
Notice Period:
Short (maybe less than one month's notice)
Type:
Professional
Fee:
Paid: Fee varies with group and location + travel
Category:
Humanities
Updated:
26th October 2021

William Morris (1834–1896) was the single most influential designer of the nineteenth century. Morris was a political theorist, scholar, translator and publisher, environmental campaigner, writer, and poet as well as an outstanding designer. When Morris was dying his physician said it was of "simply being William Morris and having done more work than most ten men”.

This illustrated talk includes an overview of his early life and influences, marriage, family, homes, the work of his firm Morris & Co. and the Kelmscott Press. This lecture looks at Morris as not just “the wallpaper man” but as the multitalented polymath behind the famous floral designs.

I also give the following other lectures about William Morris:

  • Through the Keyhole: The Homes of William Morris
  • William Morris's Red House: The Beautifullest Place on Earth
  • In the Garden with William Morris: Flora as Art
Views: 577 | Enquiries: 10

About Fiona Rose

Thank you for your interest in my range of talks. I am happy to travel further afield, if requested, than the East of England where I am based.

I am an accredited lecturer with The Arts Society (formerly known as NADFAS) and have been giving talks around the country since 2010. As well as Arts Society groups I have given talks for many WI and U3A groups, history, art, antiques and garden clubs, The National Trust , The William Morris Society and the Arts & Crafts Movement in Surrey association.

I give talks about subjects I feel passionately about with a special interest in William Morris, his circle and the Arts & Crafts Movement. My aim is to include the human story behind the artistic endeavours of my lecture subjects.

My lectures are usually 1 hour in length but can be adapted and are copiously illustrated with photographs via PowerPoint.

After fifteen years working for public health charities and the NHS, in 2009 I followed my long held dream and founded a home interiors business which I very much enjoy running.

I am a member of the Museum Collections committee for The William Morris Society where I served as a Trustee for four years. I am also a contributor to the Society’s Magazine and Journal of William Morris Studies. I greatly enjoy volunteering as a House Guide with Arts & Crafts Movement gem the David Parr House in Cambridge.


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