‘The Past is not dead, it is living in us and will be alive in the future which we are now helping to make’ – William Morris
William Morris was a man of extraordinary vision and talent. He was a poet, a designer of furniture, tapestries, stained glass and a designer of the instantly recognisable fabric and wallpapers for which he is perhaps best remembered today.
Morris and his iconic designs have had a profound and lasting impact on the history of design; not only were they instrumental in the development of the Arts and Crafts movement, but their extraordinary adaptability and versatility have allowed them to be reinterpreted afresh for each generation. After more than 150 years, William Morris’s historic designs are still being produced today. Subtly altered and refreshed to suit modern tastes, the quintessential Morris & Co. fabrics and wallpapers are both a reminder of the visual history of our country and a desirable, luxury commodity.
Drawing together the opposing strands of historic and contemporary design, the exhibition will explore the early beginnings of Morris & Co. through the display of original wallpaper samples from the company archive and a recreation of the Arts and Crafts interior. The exhibition will also inspire visitors to bring a little piece of William Morris into their own homes with design ideas presented by Milners of Leyburn using modern Morris & Co. wares along with furniture and furnishings from Tennants Auctioneers.
The exhibition will run from 16th May – 16th June 2019. (excluding Monday 27th May)
9am-5pm
Free Entry
Preview Evening
Introduction to William Morris and talk on William Morris and the Arts & Crafts Movement by Caroline Bennett-Jane of Morris & Co and Diane Sinnott of Tennants Auctioneers.
15th May 2019
6pm – 8pm
£10 to include a glass of wine and nibbles. RSVP to the Garden Rooms Reception info@tennantsgardenrooms.com
Lectures & Talks
‘William Morris’ with Caroline Bennett-Jane of Morris & Co
13th June 2019
William Morris is regarded by some as the greatest designer and one of the most outstanding figures of the Arts & Crafts movement. Caroline Bennett-Jane from Morris & Co will give a wonderful illustrated talk, offering an exclusive insight from the early beginnings of the company through to the present day and how these timeless designs are still in such demand.
10.30am session – £12 including tea, coffee and cakes
2.30pm session – £12 including tea, coffee and cakes
6.30pm session – £15 including a glass of wine
William Morris and the Arts & Crafts with Diane Sinnott
23rd May at 2pm – £12 including tea, coffee and cakes
30th May at 2pm £12 including tea, coffee and cakes
6th June at 2pm £12 including tea, coffee and cakes
For further details and to book tickets, please contact the Garden Rooms Reception on 01969 621146