The real history behind your favourite William Morris designs

The intricate florals and pretty curling vines of William Morris’s Victorian designs hide a much more radical history. Find out more from HistoryExtra's Elinor Evans…

Published: June 12, 2026 at 9:17 AM

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At a time in the 19th century when factories were reshaping society, William Morris and his contemporaries believed mass production was damaging not only the lives of workers, but also the beauty and meaning of everyday objects.

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HistoryExtra's Elinor Evans shares the hidden meaning behind some of the prints, including Strawberry Thief, many of which remain popular today.

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You'll hear excerpts from a HistoryExtra podcast interview with author and curator Dr Suzanne Fagence Cooper, who has written extensively on the Pre-Raphaelites and Victorian women, and William and Jane Morris – her books include How We Might Live: At Home with Jane and William Morris (Quercus, 2022).

Authors

Elinor EvansHead of digital (web and video)

Elinor Evans is head of digital (web and video)

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