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Kelmscott Manor 2025 Exhibition – Words Matter: William Morris and the Book Arts
Kelmscott Manor’s 2025 exhibition explores the life and legacy of William Morris (1834–1896) through the lens of books—those he read, wrote, collected, and designed. Drawing on the rich collections of the Society of Antiquaries of London, the exhibition follows Morris from his early love of reading to his final great project, the Kelmscott Press.
Celebrated as the father of the Arts and Crafts Movement, Morris was deeply inspired by nature and history—passions first kindled through books. A self-declared “great devourer of books,” he became a prolific polymath, balancing poetry, design, activism, and craftsmanship with remarkable energy. “If a chap can’t compose an epic poem while weaving tapestry,” he quipped, “he’ll never do any good at all.”
The exhibition highlights:
- Books from Morris’s student days at Oxford
- His annotated copy of The Defence of Guenevere (1858)
- Rare early printed books and medieval manuscripts, including a 12th-century illuminated bible
- Treasures from the Kelmscott Press, including the famed Kelmscott Chaucer and Morris’s cover designs
- Works from other leading private presses and fine bindings by Katharine Adams and the Doves Bindery
Much of the display comes from books kept at Kelmscott Manor by Morris’s family after his death—personal volumes that reflect his lifelong relationship with words.
Alongside the exhibition, award-winning poet Robert Seatter and visual artist Jessica Palmer will offer creative responses through workshops and events, bringing the world of Morris to life for visitors of all ages.
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