William Morris

Inspired by the writings of social philosopher John Ruskin, William Morris (1834-1896) defined art as “the expression by man of his pleasure in labor," and dedicated himself to art inspired by Medieval culture. Morris later became friends with painter Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and associated with the artists of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. In 1861 Morris and his circle of friends formed a company that became particularly well-known for its beautiful stained glass and floral wall paper designs. Morris founded Kelmscott Press in 1890, for which he designed his own typefaces and produced illustrated books with ornate borders and initials.