Morris the Merrier

When I need design inspiration, I frequently turn to William Morris. Who doesn't? He is perhaps the most famous designer of wallpaper and textiles of all time. But he was more than just a designer of patterns. I have a big book called William Morris: by himself which is full of color pictures of his patterns, but also includes his essays, poetry, cartoons, paintings and, my favorite, stained glass window designs.

The man could make windows like nobodies business.

Morris was not a very happy guy, apparently. From what I've read he felt at odds with the age he was born into. And, while I can certainly understand that feeling, I can't figure out how someone who lived in the house pictured below could be anything but permanently cheerful.



Anway, I occasionally try to draw up Morris-inspired designs. It's good excersize and it really gives you an appreciation for how difficult it is to create interlocking patterns. Here's a little one from the other day:



I'm no Morris.