Morris & Co.
Morris & Co. was a renowned decorative arts firm founded in 1861 by William Morris and a group of Pre-Raphaelite artists and craftsmen. Initially named Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co., the company specialized in handcrafted medieval-inspired furnishings, including stained glass, furniture, textiles, and wallpaper.
Emphasizing traditional craftsmanship and artistic integrity, Morris & Co. became a leading force in the Arts and Crafts Movement, influencing interior decoration and church ornamentation through the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The firm was known for its richly patterned textiles, tapestries, and stained glass windows, often drawing on historic and nature-inspired themes.
After reorganizing under Morris’s sole ownership in 1875, the company expanded into dyeing and textile production at its Merton Abbey Works. Under the artistic direction of Morris and later John Henry Dearle, the firm maintained a legacy of exquisite craftsmanship until it ceased operations during World War II. Today, Morris & Co.’s designs continue to be celebrated and produced under license, preserving its enduring impact on decorative arts.
