"I do not want art for a few, anymore than education for a few, or freedom for a few." William Morris 1879.
The William Morris Society is a charitable organisation whose aim is to promote the life and work of designer, writer and socialist William Morris, one of the most outstanding figures of the nineteenth century whose influence and ideas remain as important today as they were in his own lifetime. Membership to the Society includes a number of benefits such as a quarterly newsletter, the Journal of W
illiam Morris Studies and a range of talks and events relating to Morris's life and works. We also run a small museum at our premises in Hammersmith, London, in the basement and Coach House of Morris's last home. THE MUSEUM (FREE ENTRY)
Kelmscott House dates from the 1780s and Morris lived here from 1878 until his death in 1896. The Coach House, Library and Basement rooms are open to the public on Thursday and Saturday afternoons from 2-5pm. There are frequent demonstrations on Morris's printing press, and a well stocked shop. MORRIS AT KELMSCOTT HOUSE
Soon after moving into Kelmscott House, Morris began experiments with weaving. He set up a tapestry loom in his ground floor bedroom and carpet looms in the Coach House. The latter were moved to his new works at Merton Abbey in 1881. The small rugs and carpets made here are known as Hammersmith rugs and bear the woven device of a hammer in the border. During the 1870s Morris had become increasingly active in politics. In 1883 he joined the Socialist Democratic Federation and established a branch which met in the Coach House. When he left the Federation in 1885 to form the Socialist League the meetings continued with many distinguished speakers such as Lucy Parsons, Peter Kropotkin and Annie Besant. This tradition continues today with speakers most weekends including Tony Benn. In his last years Morris embarked upon printing by establishing the Kelmscott Press in nearby properties. The Chaucer, the press's greatest book, was completed shortly before he died and one of the proofing presses used in its printing is now on permanent display. THE COLLECTION
We hold the archive of the Kelmscott Fellowship and the Women’s Guild of Arts. Founded in 1918 by May Morris, Emery Walker and AH Verstage, the Kelmscott Fellowship was the forerunner of the William Morris Society, and they merged in 1966. With May Morris at its first President, the Fellowship aimed to keep Morris legacy alive through a series of events and exhibitions, and through an active membership which included Walter Crane, Georgiana Burne-Jones and Emery Walker. The Women’s Guild of Arts was established in 1904 as a reaction to the lack of professional art organisations willing to admit women. May Morris was responsible for organising the may lectures and events that appealed to a wide range of craftswomen. The archive includes minutes of meetings, accounts and membership lists. The collection contains a number of Kelmscott Press titles and working proofs as well as the only printing press used by Morris left in the country. Dating from c1835 it is fully operational and used on a regular basis by our artist in residence. The Society has a comprehensive collection of Morris and Company wallpapers, watercolour designs, and a selection of textiles, ranging from a Hammersmith rug and woven hangings to printed cottons, silks and embroideries. EDUCATION
As a writer, designer, printer, passionate socialist and pioneer of the Arts and Crafts Movement William Morris remains an influential and inspirational figure. The Society offers many ways to learn about and enjoy the work of this eminent Victorian. Learning Outside the Classroom
Visits from schools and local children are vital in strengthening the Society’s links to the community. Over the past 10 years, curator Helen Elletson has been working hard to expand our programme of educational activities. We particularly welcome pupils from Years 5 and 6 who are studying the Victorian period. You can choose between programmes on art, literacy and history and we tailor the learning to suit your needs. Learn about the Arts and Crafts Movement with an up-close look at fascinating artefacts including original textile designs, wallpaper samples, furniture, embroidery and Pre-Raphaelite drawings. Ten and eleven-year-olds can have a go at textile designing, weaving and painting on acetate to create their own “stained glass”. The success of these visits shows that traditional crafts that take their inspiration from Nature can still have a role in the lives of today’s gadget-obsessed kids. Citizenship Programme for Key Stage 2 and 3
Kelmscott House is now offering an innovative Citizenship programme with cross-curricular links to English and History for Key Stage 2 and 3. Teachers, go to the citizenship page to read more about the programme, how you can book your class to take part at the museum, or download the resources to carry out the workshops offsite. http://www.williammorrissociety.org.uk/citizenship.shtml
ALSO Keep an eye out for FREE half-term and summer break drop in workshops! Here is just a small selection of quotes from the thank-you letters Helen received from the pupils of Year 6, Forty Hill Primary School, Enfield, who visited Kelmscott House in December 2008.
“I didn’t know that he used a presser to produce his work plus he used stamps to put words in his books (wow that must have took a long time).” Pervin
“William Morris is my favourite artist.” Sonny
24/06/2026
✨ Meet the makers, part two - we hope you enjoyed discovering the first group of artisans taking part in our market, and now it's time to introduce another wonderful selection of makers!
Inspired by William Morris's passion for craftsmanship and beautiful handmade work, our market celebrates creativity, skill, and the joy of supporting independent artisans.
Continuing Morris's celebration of craft and design, join us and you'll find handcrafted jewellery, floral art, clothing, accessories, stationery, and original and printed artwork.
🖼️
🥀
🖋️
💌 linforth 🌸
Come along and discover a wonderful range of handcrafted treasures while supporting talented independent makers and our charity.
👭 Tag a friend you'd love to bring!
🔗 Link in bio for tickets.
21/06/2026
Are you an emerging artist, designer, or craftsperson? 🎨✨
We are proud to launch the new Useful and Beautiful Art Prize as part of MorrisFest 2026 – a festival celebrating the life, work, and everlasting influence of William and May Morris.
Taking place at the Birmingham & Midland Institute from 20–22 November, MorrisFest will bring together artists, makers, scholars, designers, and creatives to explore how Morris’s ideas continue to inspire today.
The Useful and Beautiful Art Prize celebrates work that reflects Morris’s vision of the connection between art, craft, everyday life, work, and nature.
We are looking for thoughtful and original submissions from emerging creatives working across craft, design, textiles, printmaking, illustration, sustainability, and interdisciplinary practice.
Selected winners will have their work exhibited at MorrisFest and at the William Morris Society!
Alongside the prize, MorrisFest will feature:
✨ Lectures and in conversations
✨ Workshops and demonstrations
✨ The annual Kelmscott Lecture
✨ An artisan market celebrating Morris-inspired craft and making
If you are interested in being part of this exciting new chapter, we'd love to hear from you! For more info and to find out how to submit your artwork, please email [email protected]
🌸 Please share this opportunity with your networks. The more people who hear about it, the more emerging creatives will have the chance to share their work. 🌸
21/06/2026
Wishing all of the dads out there today a Happy Father's Day!
William Morris and his wife Jane Morris (née Burden) were the parents of two daughters, Jenny (1861–1935) and May (1862–1938). Although Morris was famously busy, he still cultivated warm, supportive relationships with both girls. Jenny and her father frequently exchanged letters while he was away on fishing trips, sharing notes about the weather, his catches, and the surrounding countryside. May followed his artistic lead, carving out a career in the Arts and Crafts movement and taking charge of the embroidery department at Morris & Co. at just 23.
Bring your father on a leisurely visit to the museum today and learn more about the life of the Morris's while they lived here at Kelmscott House from 1878-1896.
19/06/2026
☀️Get outside this weekend and visit our riverside museum in Hammersmith!
🏡Bring the family, go for a stroll along the Thames, have lunch in the park or at a local pub or cafe, and visit our museum where you can learn about the life of William Morris while he lived here at Kelmscott House, and discover beautiful objects made by him, his colleagues, friends and family members.
🌿Don't forget to visit our garden while you're here
Open Thursdays - Sundays 10am-4pm. Book online or at the door!
18/06/2026
✨ Meet the makers - it's getting closer to our upcoming Artisan Market, and we can't wait to share with you some of the talented makers who will be taking part!
Just as William Morris did, we are celebrating artisans selling their crafts. Join us to find handcrafted jewellery, floral art, clothing, accessories, stationery, and original and printed artwork.
Say hello to just a few of the makers you'll find on the day:
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🎨
💍
🌿
Come along, discover something special, and support local creativity.
🔗 Link in bio for tickets.
15/06/2026
🌸 British Flowers Week 🌸 is here – and we are celebrating with the launch of Florals & Fizz! 🥂
Join us for a brand-new summer evening event at the William Morris Society. Celebrate summer, William Morris, and all things floral with an after-hours experience in his historic home. Wear your favourite floral dresses, ties, blouses or shirts and enjoy the museum during golden hour.
Your evening includes:
✨ A glass of fizz on arrival
✨ Drinks in the garden
✨ Access to the ‘Practically Magic’ exhibition
✨ A chance to discover hidden gems from our collection that aren’t currently on display
Wander through the historic spaces, soak up the atmosphere, and experience the museum at your leisure.
🌺 We can't wait to welcome you!
14/06/2026
Join the monthly newsletter for the William Morris Society to receive updates, upcoming events & Morris-inspired inspiration delivered to your inbox each month.
Sign up now at the link in our bio and never miss out again!
10/06/2026
☀️ Summer is calling, and so are your favorite makers!
Join us for a day of handcrafted goods, unique finds, and delicious treats, as we'll be hosting our first Artisan Fair at the William Morris Society!
🌷 Sunday 5th July, from 10am to 6pm, come and support our charity
🧵 Just as William Morris did, we’ll be celebrating artisans and their crafts
🥗 Expect arts, crafts, designs, homeware, clothing, food and more!
The William Morris Society
"I do not want art for a few, anymore than education for a few, or freedom for a few." William Morris 1879.
01/06/2026
Bring our collections to life—join us as a part-time tour guide! Lead engaging tours, connect with visitors, and share the stories behind the home of William Morris for the last 18 years of his life. Flexible hours, training, and great team culture.
Calling all designers, makers, crafters, and artisans! 🎨✨
We’re excited to announce that stallholder applications are now open for our Artisan Fair at the William Morris Society.
📍 Taking place on Sunday 5 July, this event will be held at the historic home of William Morris for the last 18 years of his life, on the bustling banks of the River Thames in Hammersmith – a much-loved spot in the summer!
The fair will bring together talented creatives, independent makers, and unique handcrafted work in an inspiring heritage setting that celebrates art, craft, and design.
Would you like to join us?
If you create beautiful, original pieces and would like the opportunity to showcase and sell your work, we’d love to hear from you.
📩 To apply for a stallholder space or for more information, please contact Events Manager, Olivia Johnson Hyland at [email protected]. Questions are welcome!
We hope you can join us for what promises to be a fantastic day celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and community.
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