Wallpaper Sheet from a Set of Ten Wallpaper Sheets c. 1864 - 1892

This wallpaper sheet is one of ten designed by William Morris, an influential figure in the British Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th century. Morris sought to challenge the industrial revolution’s impact on design and society. His wallpapers were a rebellion against mass-produced, low-quality goods. The intricate patterns and natural motifs harken back to pre-industrial craftsmanship. The floral designs are layered with intention, their density a deliberate choice to envelop a room and transport its inhabitants to an idealized, nature-filled space. But this aesthetic choice also came with a cost; only the upper and middle class could afford such handcrafted luxury. Morris was quoted as saying "I do not want art for a few, any more than education for a few, or freedom for a few." Notice the tension between Morris’s socialist ideals and the exclusivity of his creations. This artwork invites us to consider the complex relationship between art, labor, class, and the yearning for a more beautiful, equitable world.