Pinning The Past - William Morris

This month’s exploration of places to see historic textiles takes us to the Cotswold home of probably the most influential designer – maker of them all, William Morris. Kelmscott Manor was Morris’s retreat from London with his family and his friends. The house is around 300 years old and a beautiful place in its own right. Morris, his family and friends added to the house’s existing ancient furniture and tapestries and created a delightful, art-filled home.

The textiles in the house range from old tapestries belonging to the house before Morris’ day to embroideries made by his wife and daughter as well as the famous printed textiles in classic William Morris designs.

Kelmscott - Ruth Singer (13 of 18) — Printing block used for the textile hanging alongside it

Kelmscott - Ruth Singer (8 of 18) — Unfinished embroidery showing markings and drawings

The house is overall, a calm, relaxed, light and delightful home and makes for a very enjoyable visit. Morris devotees should also make time to visit the village including the church where Morris is buried, under a very pleasingly-simple gravestone.

Ruth Singer Books – Get yours from our Amazon store!

Fabric Manipulation: 150 Creative Sewing Techniques by Ruth Singer — Fabric Manipulation: 150 Creative Sewing Techniques

Sew Eco: Sewing Sustainable and Re-Used Materials by Ruth Singer — Sew Eco: Sewing Sustainable and Re-Used Materials

Sew It Up: A Modern Manual of Practical and Decorative Sewing by Ruth Singer — Sew It Up: A Modern Manual of Practical and Decorative Sewing

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Ruth Singer

Ruth Singer creates detailed and intriguing textile artworks inspired by historical textiles, museum objects, personal heritage, memory and stories. She uses natural and recycled textiles combined with hand stitching as well as fabric manipulation techniques to create detailed surface texture. She also writes books on textiles and sewing and teaches in her own studio as well as freelance.