William Morris: Art and Kelmscott (Occasional Paper (Society of Antiquaries of London), 18) - Softcover

9780851156705: William Morris: Art and Kelmscott (Occasional Paper (Society of Antiquaries of London), 18)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0851156703 ISBN 13: 9780851156705

Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Inc, 1996

Published to mark the centenary of William Morris's death, this work presents studies of the work of Morris and his wife, May, with particular reference to Kelmscott Manor, their 16th-century Gloucestershire home. Morris was influential in many spheres, including poetry, painting, design and political activism, and if any one of his creations was to represent all those interests it would be Kelmscott. The book traces its importance in the private and public lives of the Morris family from 1871, when the house was first rented by Morris and the painter D.G. Rossetti, to the death of May Morris in 1938. In support of this close focus on Kelmscott, there are detailed assessments of the Morrises' work, covering topics such as William's early attempts to become a painter, his role as businessman in control of a popular and busy factory and shop, and his development as designer and manufacturer of stained glass. Illustrations show Kelmscott during its restoration, and as it is today.

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From Publishers Weekly:

The multifaceted achievement of English Victorian designer William Morris (1834-1896) is scrutinized in this ravishing catalogue of a centenary exhibition at London's Victoria and Albert Museum. Parry, a curator at the museum, opens with a useful biographical sketch. Next, Morris biographer Fiona MacCarthy explores how the Arts and Crafts pioneer's belief in visual harmony as a basic human function informed his work in embroidery, furniture, domestic decoration, stained glass, painting, wallpapers, engravings, illumination and calligraphy, tapestry, textiles?areas discussed in greater depth in subsequent essays by British and American design historians and curators. Other selections succinctly examine Morris's activities as writer of stories, poems and prose romances, socialist proselytizer, shrewd businessman, conservationist. The closing section presents three contrasting views of Morris: an overrated inspired amateur; an eclectic humanist, forerunner of postmodernism; a pioneer who ironically inspired both left-wing internationalists and ethnic nationalists seeking a vernacular. Featuring 394 color and 161 black-and-white illustrations, this album will thrill Morris devotees. BOMC selection.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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