The Flowers of William Morris [Hardcover]

Derek W. Baker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 12, 2006

This title takes a comprehensive look at Morris's gardens and flowers, setting out to shed new light on the life and work of this passionate yet practical individual. It looks at his childhood, his student days at Oxford before turning to his own homes and gardens such as Red House and the Abbey Works at Merton. Morris's own words and those of his daughter May show his very personal approach to flowers and gardens and how his ideas anticipated the theories of William Robinson and Gertrude Jekyll. The final chapter takes a close look at Morris's use of flowers in his designs. Did he draw the flowers he knew and loved or did he instinctively rely on the timeless wood engravings in old herbals? His lectures on the use of twining stem and curling tendril are a lesson to pattern-makers still.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Celebrated textile and wallpaper designer William Morris was not a hands-on gardener. But all his life his love of nature and all things floriferous and verdant influenced his work, which even today is regarded as being a style unto itself and constantly reproduced the world over. "The Flowers of William Morris", written with authority by Derek Baker, Honorary Secretary of the William Morris Society, gives a fascinating history of the man, his family, his associates and his influences and inspirations. Not just a designer but a poet, romantic writer and businessman, he dabbled in politics and was well-acquainted with the many Victorian luminaries of the time. Baker channels his energy into Morris' personal life: his houses, gardens and family, giving a charmingly written account of the private life of this artistic and accomplished gentleman. A man of contradictions in his socialist beliefs but well-to-do position in society, the gentler side of him was forever drawn to nature and its calming effects. Inspired by the early medieval herbals and their woodcuts, the influence of these old works of art is clearly seen in Morris' designs. An informal introduction is followed by a detailed look at Morris' homes, gardens and surroundings: from his childhood in Epping to his final residence, Kelmscott House in Oxfordshire. Enhanced by extracts taken from archives, the history is enlivened by these personal insights, bringing a clearer picture of this multi-talented, romantic man. Ending on an examination of Morris' designs, this beautifully illustrated work will appeal to gardeners, designers and laymen interested in the social history of the Arts and Crafts movement. - Lucy Watson

Product Details

• Hardcover: 88 pages
• Publisher: Barn Elms Publishing (July 12, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1899531033
• ISBN-13: 978-1899531035
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 9.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,411,234 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The flowers of William Morris, April 9, 2000

By 

Kim (Watertown, Wisconsin) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Flowers of William Morris (Hardcover)

When I bought this book I was expecting pictures of flowers. Instead I end up reading a book on Mr. Morris' life. His love of flowers and wonderful drawings have made this book better than I could have imagined it.