When we had our loft extension built a couple of years ago, we had to have the hallways (re)decorated from top to bottom; and so the shabby old William Morris wallpaper needed to be replaced. And because some of the spaces are narrow and potentially dark, we went for a very pale version of Morris’s Poppy. Perhaps we played over-safe; but it is still a delight.
I have always been interested in and hugely admired William Morris. And my Christmas present to myself was this quite beautifully produced book, edited by Anna Mason, and published by the V&A last year to mark the 125th anniversary of his death. There are consistently interesting essays on the man (as a designer, writer, political activist, conservationist), and on the art (from the early painting to the Kelmscott Press, via the furniture, tapestry, wallpaper and more). The many, many illustrations are just terrific. So this is a joy, and very warmly recommended.