William Morris

This week I've been to see some amazing designs by William Morris, displayed in his family home in Walthamstow, London. After writing my dissertation around the Arts and Craft movement and owning many books that show his work, it was incredible to see all of his patterns in real life. 

William Morris, 1834-1896, was a pioneering craftsman, poet and social activist who fought for beautiful design. He founded Morris & Co and set about to bring well designed art into everyday life. Morris hated the industrialisation that the Victorian era bought and along with others, set about to bring craft back. He claimed that one should 'have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.'

His recognisable floral designs have stood the test of time and are still extremely popular today.  

dear prudence

These enchanting greeting card designs are by Laura Ruth Vickers. She graduated from Glasgow School of Art in 2006 with a Masters in textiles as fashion. Her greeting cards are stocked throughout the uk - the most impressive being Liberty, Urban Outfitters and the V&A..! 

Now focusing on greeting cards and her own company, Dear Prudence, Laura is inspired by her surroundings in the Yorkshire countryside.

'I’m inspired by nature, with a focus on British wildlife. I like to give my animals and birds little personalities and dress them up, like a modern day Beatrix Potter! I enjoy the juxtaposition of a little bird or hare with everyday objects. It almost gives them a human quality.'

I adore the hare wrapping paper.

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