Morris, May, 1862-1938 (1862-1938)
Dates
- Existence: 1862-1938
Biography
Mary "May" Morris was an embroidery and jewelry designer and maker. She was the youngest daughters of William Morris, the creator of home furnishings company Morris & Co. In 1885, she took over the embroidery section of Morris & Co. from her father. Prior to officially joining the company, she had contributed some designs to the firm, but from that point on, all embroidery designs were done by herself and her assistant, John Henry Dearle. She ran the embroidery section until her father's death in 1986 and continued to act in an advisory role. Following her departure, Morris became heavily involved in the Arts and Crafts scene in London. She designed jewelry, and wrote a play in 1903 titled White Lies. She was a published author of articles and a book on embroidery, Decorative Needlework. She also lectured as an advisor and teacher at the Central School of Arts & Crafts and at Birmingham, and had an American tour in 1910. She was a regular exhibitor at the Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society, and in 1907 she was a co-founder of the Women’s Guild of Arts.