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.
Created to mark the groundbreaking exhibition, William Morris & Art from the Islamic World, held at William Morris Gallery from November 2024 to March 2025, this unique project celebrates the confluence of Islamic art traditions and Morris’s revolutionary aesthetic vision, underscoring the vital contributions of women in both realms.
William Morris & Art from the Islamic World
This exhibition explores the influence of Islamic art on William Morris, a key figure in the Arts and Crafts Movement celebrated for his wallpaper, fabric, carpet, and embroidery designs that transformed British interiors. Although Morris's inspiration from Islamic art has been acknowledged previously, this is the first time an exhibition will thoroughly examine this aspect of his artistic journey. The display will include not only his iconic designs but also Islamic textiles, ceramics, metalwork, and manuscripts from his personal collection, now held by major UK institutions. Together, these pieces reveal the profound impact of Islamic design on Morris’s work.
William Morris, Islamic Art & Women Artists
The Publication
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!