May Morris (1862-1938) was a significant figure in the British Arts and
Crafts movement and a pioneer of art embroidery. She ran the embroidery
department of Morris & Co., as well as designing textiles, wallpapers,
and jewelry. Morris was also an influential teacher and lectured in the
United States and across the United Kingdom.
May Morris, now in paperback, presents the full range of Morris's work
and reveals her exceptional skill and originality. It draws together her
designs, exquisite embroideries, watercolors, costume, and jewelry from
museums around the world, and in particular the rich collections of the
Victoria and Albert Museum and the William Morris Gallery, London. The
book contains more than 180 objects in color alongside detailed
information on their materials and provenance compiled by leading
experts. There are also new insights into Morris's personal life and
relationships, her social activism, and her support for other
craftswomen.
This authoritative and illuminating study places Morris, whose
reputation has been overshadowed by that of her father William Morris,
firmly among the leading British designer-makers of the Arts and Crafts
movement.