SIMPLE DESIGN, HONEST CRAFTSMANSHIP

Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co,

later Morris & Co, was a design company formed in 1861 by William Morris and a group of like-minded artists. Taking a stand against the mass-produced, low- quality goods of Victorian manufacturing, its products were carefully made with the greatest respect for the creative process and the cra !sman’s skill. The company’s furniture, tapestries, wallpaper, fabric and stained glass (much of it designed by Morris), became hugely fashionable. The Sussex chair – probably designed by Philip Speakman Webb c1860 – with turned frame and rush seat, was inspired by an early country chair from Sussex and became a best seller. It was produced in large quantities from around 1865 to the 1920s, spawned a full range – including corner chairs and children’s chairs – and prompted competitors such as Heal’s and Liberty to introduce versions of their own. It was also a favourite at home for William Morris and his friends and several remain in situ at his rural retreat, Kelmsco" Manor in Oxfordshire.

The Sussex chair epitomised the design ideals of the Arts and Crafts movement. This example costs £1,650 from Puritan Values at 1st Dibs.