Amelia’s Magazine | Exhibition: William Morris – Story, Memory, Myth at Two Temple Place

Category: Art

Two Temple Place Will Pryce
Photography by Will Pryce

Story, Memory, Myth looks at the way influential artist and author William Morris told stories using pattern and poetry, and in particular, how he was influenced by the works of Chaucer, Norse saga, Arthurian legend and Greek myth. Pieces are arranged according to a narrative rather than their medium—this sounds a brilliant way of thinking about how Morris might have returned to particular stories throughout his career.

Romance of the Rose William Morris Gallery
Detail of The Romance of the Rose embroidered frieze 1874-6, copyright William Morris Gallery, London

Expect ornate decoration and scenes and characters from literature, as well as some of Morris’ rarely seen works. For instance, five panels from the embroidered frieze ‘The Romaunt of the Rose’ are displayed with ‘The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer’, illustrated by Morris and Edward Burne-Jones and printed by Morris’ private press. Together, they draw inspiration from the French medieval text the ‘Roman de la Rose’ (Romance of the Rose).

Woodpecker Tapestry William Morris Gallery
Woodpecker Tapestry 1885, copyright William Morris Gallery, London

In addition to providing visitors with the opportunity to explore some of Morris’ exquisite tapestries, tiles and textiles, this exhibition is also a chance to explore the newly-opened Two Temple Place, a neo-Gothic mansion on Embankment. Built in 1895 for William Waldorf Astor, it’s an architectural delight whose late Victorian opulence will provide a fascinating backdrop to Morris’ work.

Read my William Morris: Story, Memory, Myth exhibition review

Admission free

Opening hours

10:00am – 4:30pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
12:00pm – 5pm Sunday
Closed on Tuesdays and on 24th, 25th, 26th, 31st December and 1st January.