The Art of Wallpaper: Morris & Co.
27 September 2024 – 23 February 2025
Included in general admission

York Art Gallery is open Wednesday-Sunday 10am-5pm

Showcasing over 130 works from the archives of Morris & Co., the original home of the Arts & Crafts textile designer, William Morris, this inspirational exhibition will celebrate the designer, his work, influence and legacy in UK wallpaper innovation.

Featuring prints from the 1830s to the 1920s, the display traces the history of Morris & Co. from its founding. These include rare formal Victorian designs that predate Morris, and ‘kinkarakawakami’, Japanese wallpaper produced for export, which influenced the designer.

The largest section of the exhibition will focus on William Morris and his legacy as a designer, writer, poet, translator, publisher, fervent socialist, environmentalist and protector of ancient buildings.

Including framed original samples, visitors will be transported into the 19th and 20th century interiors for which these wallpapers were produced with carefully chosen pieces of upholstered furniture in Morris & Co. fabrics to bring the story alive.