Cray Possibly 1884 - 1917

William Morris designed “Cray,” a beautiful example of block-printed cotton, in the late 19th century. Morris was deeply concerned with the dehumanizing effects of industrialization, and he sought to revive traditional craftsmanship through the Arts and Crafts movement. This textile embodies his socialist ideals, aiming to bring art into everyday life and challenge the class-based divide between art and labor. The intricate floral pattern, with its stylized pink and red blossoms against a muted ground, evokes a sense of nostalgic beauty. Morris once said, "Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." "Cray" reflects his commitment to creating both useful and beautiful objects, accessible to a wider audience, while also offering an escape from the rapidly changing, often alienating, modern world. It is a testament to his vision of art as a force for social change, deeply intertwined with personal and aesthetic values.