Celebrated as an artist, writer, designer, publisher and socialist, William Morris spearheaded the Arts and Crafts movement in the second half of the nineteenth century. His company—started as Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co in 1861 and later Morris & Co from 1875—produced stained-glass windows, objects, tapestries and wallpapers. Textiles are among the firm’s best-known creations.

One of Morris & Co’s most influential members was William De Morgan. His designs for tiles, stained glass and furniture often feature Persian patterns and medieval designs in shades of blue, green and red. De Morgan established his own company in 1872 to produce decorative pottery including chargers, rice dishes and vases.

Late in life Morris founded Kelmscott Press, dedicated to the production of high-quality books, many of which were illustrated by his close friend and collaborator Edward Burne-Jones. The Kelmscott publications drew on medieval illuminated manuscripts in their integration of image, text and elaborate initial letters. Morris, Burne-Jones and their associates had an indelible impact on art and design in the nineteenth century, an influence which is felt to this day.