WHAT? Morris Mania - How Britain’s Greatest Designer went Viral 

WHERE? William Morris Gallery, Lloyd Park, Forest Road, London E17 4PP

WHEN? Now until 21st September. Free to visit 

WHY GO?  To feel the love. The William Morris Gallery is testament to one of Britain’s greatest designers whose name instantly conjures up images of swirling floral patterns and whose work has spawned a million copies, but there’s nothing quite like the real thing and this gallery, that was once his family home, is definitely IT, honouring his rich artistic legacy. 

Florals power a new tribute exhibition which explores his Arts and Crafts work from intricate originals to modern day mass produced and computer generated designs, that would undoubtedly have intrigued the great man himself, he was ever the socialist.

It all centres around our mania for Morris patterns and invites fans to send images of their treasured pieces to create a new Living with Morris Archive of photographs. 

Meanwhile, there’s a heady mix of famous patterns for everyday life on everything from floral boots and brollies to those iconic wallpapers. 

Film snippets that have featured Morris patterns certify his significance in popular culture in programmes as diverse as Call the Midwife and Gogglebox.

Laura Ashley may have toppled him off the radar for a short time with her chintz, but Morris wins hands down as big brands like Nike and H&M collaborate and museum gift shops are always awash with Morris mania.

It may be 125 years since his death but still we yearn for the familiarity of his comforting patterns that create nostalgic memories.

IN THE KNOW One of Morris’s most popular textile designs, Strawberry Thief (1883)  takes its name from the thrushes he found stealing fruit from his kitchen garden at Kelmscott Manor in Oxfordshire. Today, it’s virtually the Morris logo and, amongst others, inspired author Joanna Harris to name her best selling 2019 novel, The Strawberry Thief.