William Morris: The poet and paper-maker
12/05/12 - 12/06/12
In the first Morris exhibition to be held in The Attic gallery, wallpapers will be exhibited alongside Morris's poetry and selected writings, exploring the inspirations and ideas behind these iconic designs.
Modern reprints of original Morris designs hang with those handprinted (using the original pearwood blocks) and books of handprinted wallpapers, including the 1960s collection of psychedelic colourways.
Also on display for the first time will be the rarely seen VRI Cipher Paper (above); designed in 1887 for Queen Victoria's Balmoral Castle and printed with a fine merrino wool flock; an item not even available in the V&A's extensive archive.
Clockwise from top left: Trellis, Pimpernel, Willow, Daisy.
The Attic gallery contains a number of original features, from its beamed structure and wattle and daub walls. It has been decorated with a number of Morris's designs including hangings of Strawberry Thief and Artichoke (designed by his colleague, John Henry Dearle).
The Attic is part of wallpaper retailer Lines of Pinner, a family business which dates back to Morris's era and has been selling Morris & Co. wallpapers and furnishings since they were re-launched by Sanderson in the 1960s.
Above: Cecil Lines, photographed in 1970 by Sanderson, to publicise their new retail display units. Cecil is holding a handprint of Morris's Chrysanthemum, which will be part of this exhibition.
Event: Morris the Paper-maker - talk
31/05/12 and 05/06/12
2-3pm
Kara Lines will give a talk about Morris & Co. wallpapers, with a focus on those designed by Morris himself. This will be an opportunity to view further samples of Morris's handprinted wallpapers.