William Morris author page

William Morris biography

William Morris (1834–1896) was a British designer, writer, poet, and socialist activist. He was born on 24 March 1834 in Walthamstow, Essex, and studied at Exeter College, Oxford, where he formed a close friendship with Edward Burne-Jones and became associated with the Pre-Raphaelite circle of artists.

In 1861, Morris co-founded the design firm Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co., later renamed Morris & Co. The company produced stained glass, textiles, wallpapers, and furniture, often inspired by medieval art and nature. Designs such as “Strawberry Thief” and “Trellis” remain influential.

Morris was also a prolific poet and writer. His early poetry collection The Defence of Guenevere was published in 1858, followed by the epic poem The Earthly Paradise (1868–70) and the utopian socialist novel News from Nowhere (1890).

He was active in politics, joining the Democratic Federation in the 1880s and later helping to found the Socialist League. He lectured on art, design, and socialism, linking aesthetics with social reform.

William Morris died on 3 October 1896 in Hammersmith, London.