William Morris

: This page is about William Morris, the writer, designer and socialist. For other meanings, see William Morris (disambiguation).

Early life

Morris was born in Walthamstow near London. His family was wealthy, and he went to school at Marlborough College and then to Oxford University (Exeter College), where he became influenced by John Ruskin and met his life-long friends and collaborators, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Edward Burne-Jones, Ford Madox Brown and Philip Webb. He also met his wife, Jane Burden, a working-class woman whose pale skin, languid figure, and abundant coppery hair were considered by Morris and his friends the epitome of beauty.

Related Topics:
Walthamstow - London - Marlborough College - Oxford University - Exeter College - John Ruskin - Dante Gabriel Rossetti - Edward Burne-Jones - Ford Madox Brown - Philip Webb - Jane Burden

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These friends formed an artistic movement, the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. They eschewed the tawdry industrial manufacture of decorative arts and architecture and favoured a return to hand-craftsmanship, raising artisans to the status of artists.

Related Topics:
Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood - Decorative arts - Architecture - Artisan

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Morris had two daughters, Jane (called Jenny) and Mary (called May).

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