Morris & Co. was originally called “Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co.” and was often referred
to internally simply as “The Firm.”
In 1865, the company worked on prestigious commissions for the South Kensington
Museum (now the Victoria & Albert Museum) and St. James’ Palace, boosting its
popularity.
During the late 1870s and 1880s, John Henry Dearle, a shop assistant-turned tapestry
apprentice, took an ever-greater role in the running of Morris & Co., becoming Creative
Director after Morris’s death in 1896. May Morris, William’s daughter, contributed numerous
fabric and wallpaper designs, becoming the foremost needlewoman of her time and the
head of the needlework department at Morris & Co. at the age of just 23.
After facing difficulties during both World Wars, Morris & Co. entered liquidation but was
saved in 1940 by Arthur Sanderson & Sons for £400, preserving its valuable design archive.
Sanderson released new Morris & Co. wallpapers in 1965 before re-launching Morris & Co.
as a separate entity in 1985. Today, Morris & Co. makes considered adaptations from archival
classics to share these historic designs with new audiences across the world, whilst always
retaining the utmost respect for craftsmanship.
Our archive is home to historical log books, samples of every wallpaper, printed and woven
textiles and the original wooden printing blocks used in William Morris’s day. Our designers
search this treasure trove every day for creative clues on upcoming collections, always paying
homage to the brand’s heritage.
