Saturday 9 November 2024 - Sunday 9 March 2025
William Morris Gallery
The first exhibition to explore the influence of art from the Islamic world on William Morris, one of Britain’s most important nineteenth century designers and thinkers.
A key founder of the Arts and Crafts Movement, Morris transformed British interiors with his intricate patterns in wallpapers, textiles, and carpets. While his love for Islamic art has long been noted, this exhibition is the first to examine this influence in depth. Discover how his iconic designs, including Flower Garden (1879), Wild Tulip, and Granada (1884), were inspired by the exquisite surface patterns and craftsmanship of Islamic art.
The exhibition brings together over 60 pieces, including Islamic textiles, ceramics, manuscripts, and metalwork from Morris’s personal collection—now held in institutions like the British Library and the Fitzwilliam Museum. These works reveal how Morris found inspiration in the beauty and technical mastery of Islamic art, shaping his distinctive style.
Visit the William Morris Gallery for a groundbreaking journey into the cultural connections and artistic exchanges that informed Morris’s life and legacy.
As part of the exhibition Bayt Al Fann is collaborating with William Morris Gallery through a specially curated publication, celebrating the work of women artists inspired by Islamic tradition and thier unique perspectives on William Morris and Islamic Art.
Exhibition Highlights
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Jacket
1800–60, Iran (Qajar), woven silk and metal thread lined with European roller-printed cotton.
© William Morris Gallery, London Borough of Waltham Forest
Quilt facing
Late 17th century, Turkey (Ottoman), floss silks on linen.
© Birmingham Museums Trust
Bowl
Early 17th century, Iran (Safavid), tinned-copper, engraved and hammered
© The Society of Antiquaries of London (Kelmscott Manor)
William Morris & Women Artists
Bayt Al Fann is proud to present a specially curated, limited-edition digital publication, crafted as a unique dialogue between pioneering women artists whose work is rooted in Islamic art and the legacy of William Morris. Available exclusively as a download, this publication brings together the voices and visions of 22 extraordinary women artists who are not only preserving traditional Islamic art forms but are also innovating and reshaping these traditions for future generations. Each artist contributes a personal reflection or artwork, offering insightful responses to Morris’s work that bridge cultural heritage with contemporary creativity.
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This publication is designed to be an integral part of the exhibition, spotlighting how Islamic art continues to evolve through the hands of these
remarkable artists.
Download your own free copy!
