A new exhibition at The William Morris Society’s museum in Hammersmith highlights a collection of beautiful objects donated by a passionate Morris collector. Helena Stephenson was an enthusiastic admirer of William Morris - the Victorian designer, poet and socialist - and a friend of his daughter, designer May Morris.
The exhibition includes original hand-drawn designs for commercial wallpapers, custom commissions and textiles. Items featured include works saved by Helena from the Morris & Co. offices in 1940 upon dissolution of the firm. Helena not only saved these precious items of decorative art history, but also saved William Morris’s Hammersmith home. She and her husband Morton purchased the riverside property in 1925 to save it from being converted into a boat house.
'Pink & Poppy' original design,William Morris, 1880
'Pink & Poppy' wallpaper, dark green and cream, William Morris, 1880
The Stephensons greatly enjoyed living in the house for the next 47 years. Helena died in 1972, having bequeathed the house to The William Morris Society, who retain the basement rooms and coach house as a museum, shop and space for workshops, talks and events. The exhibition includes highlights from Helena’s life in the house and explores the impact of her generous legacy for The William Morris Society to this day.
Collecting Morris: Highlights from the Helena Stephenson Collection
14th September 2024 to 13th April 2025
The Coach House, Kelmscott House, 26 Upper Mall, Hammersmith, W6 9TA
Open Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday 2 – 5pm.
Tel: +44 (0)208 741 3735
@WmMorrisSocUK