Discover the untold story of how Islamic art shaped the work of William Morris, a founder of the Arts and Crafts Movement and one of Britain’s most celebrated designers.
Join Rowan Bain, co-curator of the William Morris Gallery’s new exhibition, as she explores how art from the Islamic world shaped William Morris’s iconic designs. This talk delves into Morris’s personal collection of carpets, textiles, metalwork, and ceramics—primarily from Iran, Syria, and Turkey—and reveals their influence on his celebrated patterns. Ranging from popular nineteenth-century tourist merchandise to rare artefacts of historical significance, Morris’s collection of Islamic art reveals the importance of contributions of various cultures to the evolution of his design and craftsmanship. Accompanied by a new book, Tulips and Peacocks: William Morris and Art from the Islamic World (Yale University Press).
About Rowan Bain
Rowan Bain is Principal Curator of the William Morris Gallery, London, where she oversees the collections, exhibitions and public programme. She is co-curator of the exhibition William Morris and Art from the Islamic World and editor of the accompanying publication published by Yale University Press. Her past exhibitions include Althea McNish: Colour Is Mine (2022), Kehinde Wiley: The Yellow Wallpaper (2020) and May Morris: Art & Life (2017). Previously she was Assistant Curator, Middle East Section, at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. She is the author of William Morris’s Flowers (Thames & Hudson/V&A, 2019), co-author of May Morris Arts & Crafts Designer (Thames & Hudson/V&A, 2017) and most recently contributed to Women Pioneers of the Arts & Crafts Movement (Thames & Hudson/V&A, 2019). She is currently co-editing the collected letters of May Morris with Anna Mason and Margaretta Frederick.
Enjoy a complimentary drink with your ticket, the opportunity to speak with Rowan and after-hours shopping.
Please note this event will take place in at 184 Gwydir Street and does not include a tour of the house.
All money raised from talks and events at David Parr House goes towards maintaining the house and collection. Thank you for supporting us.
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