TREASURE DESCRIPTION: Room 125 looks at different styles which prevailed in the late 19th Century. These included aestheticism, a style based on the philosophy of ‘art for arts sake’ and the Arts & Craft style. There are examples of Morris’ work made at Merton Abbey Mills including furniture, stained glass, tiles, tapestry and wallpaper.
The Morris Room 1866-8 originally called the Green Dining Room is used as part of the Museum’s café. It was designed by Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co, the decorating firm that William Morris had setup in 1861. It was his first public commission. Later, Morris became the most important designer and art theorist in 19th Century Britain. Morris spent much of his time in historical research at the V&A (then the South Kensington Museum) and was much influenced by the 14th Century Italian textiles as well as Middle and Far Eastern patterns.
These treasures were made as part of The Building Exploratory, Wandle Treasures project. This project was part of the wider Living Wandle Landscape Partnership Scheme, funded by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund.
