William Morris – A short History
Page 9
Morris’ interests in writing and typography went back as far as the 1860′s. Morris started the Kelmscott Press. Both for publishing his own work, but it also provided an outlet for his passionate interest is graphic design. He drew the elaborate borders and initials for the books himself, though he would ask others to provide illustrations for the publications.
A page printed by the Kelmscott Press. Morris wrote the poems, and drew the decorative border and initials that graced the pages.
By 1890, Morris started to withdraw from regular participation in the work of Morris & Co. Staff changes and presumably diminishing enthusiasm began to take its toll on his continuing interest.
Work continued however, Morris and Burne-Jones presented the Adoration of the Magi tapestry to Exeter College, Oxford. During the early 1890′s Morris kept up with a busy lecturing schedule, his own writing and his many publishing interests at the Kelmscott Press.
