‘Beauty, Imagination and Order’; The Flowers of William and May Morris

Throughout their lives, William and May Morris were fascinated by the natural world. Native British flora is featured in all their varied artwork, from wallpaper to embroidery, with flowers, plants, trees, leaves, branches, and stems to form the main components. The two Morrises went on to create some of the most iconic Morris & Company designs that are justifiably considered masterpieces and that remain enduringly popular. This chapter will, therefore, focus on the major role that the natural world played in the lives of William and his daughter May and how they revolutionised interior design by taking the power of the flower to transformative new heights.