A MORNING WITH WILLIAM MORRIS (1834-96)

Weeks ago, I booked a day trip to London to go to the William Morris Society at the Kelmscott House Museum in Hammersmith. I was so excited on Saturday that I got there far too early so took the time to look at the view of rowers on the Thames and took photos of the scenery.





The visit had been organised by Lucy Brett,an artist-printmaker I met at the Kew printing studios a little while ago. We were a small group and the curator of the William Morris Society, Helen Elletson kindly showed us around the basement of the house. This is the only part of the house which can be visited as the Society cannot maintain the main part of the house, which is leased.



Helen showed us some samples 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 and it was a treat to see them, still looking so fresh and lively. We were also able to see a copy of his book The Chaucer. The book was completed shortly before he died and one of the proofing presses used in its printing is now on permanent display at Kelmscott.





For me, it was a joy to see original drawings by Morris and his talented family and to learn a little more about such an important Victorian designer and craftsman. It is interesting to know that he was founder of the Society for the Protection of Ancient buildings in 1877 (created to counteract the highly destructive 'restoration' of medieval buildings being practised by many Victorian architects).

Though the visit was not very long, it was worth it, and I would recommend you take a detour in this beautiful part of London and discover Morris and the other artists who once lived in the vicinity such as Eric Ravilious and Thomas James Cobden Sanderson.

SLOW PROGRESS FOR ME

My work is a little slow at the moment but I have to do a lot more research each time I prepare a drawing. The drawings now measure 16x16cm comparing to the smaller format I was working with before (8x8cm). I have another 9 to transfer from a small format onto a 16x16. Then they all need inking up and then I can move on. I fear that won't be until January now, which is frustrating as I work to my own tight schedule and by now, I was hoping I would have more done. Non the less, I am making progress so it is still very positive.

AND YES, MORE PRINTS AND MORE FAB WORK FROM THE GIRLS!!

Just wanted to share with the community some more photos of coloured prints that were created today by year 9 girls. They are really getting the hang of this process which can be messy, but with patience and good practice, excellent results can be produced.

Here are some of the lovely results: