Morris & Co.

William Morris (1834-1896) is regarded by some as the greatest designer and one of the most outstanding figures of the Arts and Crafts Movement. He was also a poet, artist, philosopher, typographer and political theorist. With a group of friends, he started the decorating business Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. in 1861, providing beautiful, handcrafted products and furnishings for the home. Morris was motivated by the desire to provide affordable ‘art for all’ and driven by his boundless enthusiasm, the output of the company was prolific.

Best known for wallpaper and fabric designs, over the next 150 years, the company became known simply as Morris & Co. The company enjoyed long periods of growth but also suffered mixed fortunes, particularly during the turbulent years of the First and Second World Wars. Morris & Co. finally went into voluntary liquidation in 1940 but the design archives and remaining wallpaper stock were purchased by another household name in home furnishings, Arthur Sanderson & Sons. Morris & Co. has remained a part of the Sanderson family ever since and today they sit alongside each other as distinctive and unique brands.

Ever evolving Morris & Co. drew on its archive to create its beautiful Pure ranges. These draw on Morris’ values of craftsmanship and pattern, creating a collection of pure simplicity. The collection experiments with a variety of print, weave and embroidery techniques, creating fabrics that are enchantingly beautiful and equally at home in a modern or traditional setting. 

These fabrics really need to be seen in real life to appreciate the wonderful colours and textures available, with many having delicate embroidery, and numerous colourways. We keep a large selection of Morris & Co. sample books in stock, but do let us know if there is a specific collection you would like to see.