William Morris by Himself Author:Gillian Naylor William Morris is the most influential British designer of the last 100 years and this collection combines Morris's writings with hi famous designs for wallpapers, fabrics, tapestries, embroideries, carpets, books and stained glass. Through his own work and in his own words, the book traces the progress of William Morris, Pre-Raphaelite poet and... more » architectural student, into designer, writer and pioneer socialist. His youthful enthusiasm for the Middle Ages and Gothic cathedrals fired him with the conviction that he must dedicate his life to "Art". later letters written to friends explain how, in the industrialized 19th century, Morris became preoccupied with the loss of traditional skills and pride in work and how, in an attempt to revitalize the dying arts and demonstrate the joys of labor, he set up his own workshops for the production of textiles.« less