William Morris is best known as the 19th century\u2019s most celebrated designer. A key figure in the Arts and Crafts Movement, Morris championed a principle of handmade production that didn\u2019t chime with the Victorian era\u2019s focus on industrial \u2018progress\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His art went where his passions went; he was an architect, furniture and textile designer, poet and socialist. He established a firm of designers who were also artists, with the view of reinstating decoration, down to the smallest detail, as one of the fine arts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Using wood block printing by hand he produced wallpaper using repeating patterns of floral designs as early as 1862, and later designed his first pattern specifically for fabric.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By 1883, Morris wrote, “Almost all the designs we use for surface decoration, wallpapers, textiles, and the like, I design myself. I have had to learn the theory and to some extent the practice of weaving, dyeing and textile printing: all of which I must admit has given me and still gives me a great deal of enjoyment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Morris taught himself embroidery, working with wool on a frame custom-built from an old example, and once he had mastered the technique he trained his wife Jane and her sister Bessie Burden and others to execute designs to his specifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, William Morris\u2019 pattern influences echo in our fashions. Art students often use his master patterns to learn about color, shape and repeat patterns. They create block prints, paintings and drawings using his designs and adding new twists as they take from the master and create their own style. Enjoy this workshop exploring the art and design of William Morris. See how you can make your own Morris influenced print using his inspiration and discover the contemporary artists of today that have Morris to thank for his influence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The cost is $30 for Newark Valley Historical Society members, $35 for non-members. Enrollment is limited and scholarships are available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Farmstead is located at 9241 State Route 38, Newark Valley,13811. Call Leslie to register by July 25 at (607) 427-8373.\u00a0\u00a0Workshop on \u2018William Morris Block Printing\u2019 presented at the Bement Billings Farmstead Museum<\/p>\n\n\n\n