Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful . . .

“If you want a golden rule that will fit everything, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” these words were said by English designer and brainchild of the British Arts and Crafts movement, William Morris.

The Arts and Crafts movement was an aesthetic movement occurring in the late 19th century and early 20th century which was inspired by the writings of author John Ruskin in his book, The Seven Lamps of Architecture. The philosophy of the movement advocated hand fabrication of products in place of machine fabrication. First and foremost was the idea of truth in materials, the use of simple forms, and no unnecessary decoration in the designs. Nature was an important source of the motifs inspired by plants, birds, organic shapes and patterns.

William Morris founded the firm of Morris, Marshall and Faulkner, which decorated churches, designed stained glass, textiles, tapestries, and furniture. Morris insisted that art and design be part of normal daily life. Another quote by Morris, “the true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life” illustrates his passion to be surrounded by beauty.

Here are some of his contributions:

Morris Adjustable Back Arm Chair

Stained Glass Design of Archangels: Raphael, Michael and Gabriel

Drawing Room at Kelmscott Manor

"Evenlode" Printed Cotton

"Woodpecker" Tapestry Design

Embroidered Screen designed by May Morris

Acanthus Wallpaper Design

Decanter designed by C.R. Ashbee

Wallpaper design based on an Indian chintz

Exotic Birds Tile Design

Peacock Border Tile Design

William Morris

Morris was a visionary who believed art should flourish in a free and equal society. In a lecture, The Lesser Arts of Life he said, “I do not want art for a few, any more than education for a few, or freedom for a few . . . art will make our streets as beautiful as the wood, as elevating as mountain sides: It will be a pleasure and a rest . . . to come from the open country into a town; every man’s house will be  fair and decent, soothing to his mind and helpful to his work: all the works of man that we live amongst and handle will be in harmony with nature, will be reasonable and beautiful . . . in no private dwelling will there be any signs of waste, pomp or insolence, and every man will have his share of the best.”

He was quite the idealist.

By:  Charisse Marie Colbert, CMC Design Studio

Contributions to article included:

William Morris by Christine Poulson, Victoria and Albert Period Styles by Anna Jackson, and The Style Sourcebook by Judith Miller.