Special Collections Spotlight: William Morris papers

William Morris (1834-1896) was an English artist, author, socialist, and printer. He is best known for his association with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and as a central figure of the English Arts and Crafts Movement. Morris rose to popularity as the author of the epic poem The Earthly Paradise (1868-1870). Morris’s other well known works encompassed several … Continue reading Special Collections Spotlight: William Morris papers

Online Exhibit – How We Might Live: The Vision of William Morris

Are you looking for a way to enjoy Literature and Rare Books’ digital holdings?  Explore our updated virtual exhibit How We Might Live: The Vision of William Morris.  This online exhibit offers insight into William Morris (1834-1896), who was an author, socialist, decorator, printer, calligrapher, and leader in the Arts and Crafts Movement.  Morris was … Continue reading Online Exhibit – How We Might Live: The Vision of William Morris

William Morris and W. A. Dwiggins: The Art of Book Design

Our Literature and Rare Book currators recently hosted a talented class of UMD art students studying typography and book design.What better way to illustrate the meticulous work of designing letters and page layouts than giving them opportunity to examine books from our William Morris and W. A. Dwiggins collections! William Morris (1834-1896) founded the Kelmscott Press in 1891. … Continue reading William Morris and W. A. Dwiggins: The Art of Book Design

William Morris, Walter Crane, and Socialist Art

Walter Crane (1845-1915) was a well-known painter, book illustrator, and socialist. He was heavily influenced by the paintings of the Pre-Raphaelites, as well as his study of Japanese wood-block color printing.  His decorative work and illustrations often featured garden themes, bold lines, and detailed imagery.   Along with  Kate Greenaway and Randolph Caldecott, Crane was … Continue reading William Morris, Walter Crane, and Socialist Art

William Morris Built the Foundation for Historic Preservation

Did you know that May is National Preservation Month? We can’t think of a better way to celebrate than to recognize the work of William Morris (1834-1896), one of the pivotal figures in the early preservation movement in the West. Many people know Morris for his role as a designer, printer and socialist, but this … Continue reading William Morris Built the Foundation for Historic Preservation

‘How We Might Live’ Features Invitations from William Morris

How We Might Live: The Vision of William Morris, an exhibit highlighting the life and work of English designer and author William Morris (1834-1896), will showcase a new Morris-related item every month. For the month of April, two pieces of unique ephemera are on display.  An Invitation to View a Tapestry from Morris & Co., … Continue reading ‘How We Might Live’ Features Invitations from William Morris

William Morris and J.R.R. Tolkien

In its December 2012 issue, Wired published an article “Before the Shire”  highlighting William Morris’s influence on the fantasy novel genre, most notably on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. Morris’s later works, including The House of the Wolfings and all the Kindreds of the Mark, Child Christopher and Goldilind the Fair, The Sundering Flood, and The Well at the World’s End, contain … Continue reading William Morris and J.R.R. Tolkien

William Morris as Poet Laureate?

With the publication of Earthly Paradise in 1870, William Morris became an acclaimed poet throughout England. After the death of Alfred Lord Tennyson in 1892, Morris was reportedly in contention for the post of Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom. The works of Poet Laureates are recognized as having national significance, an honor bestowed by … Continue reading William Morris as Poet Laureate?