Modern tapestry weaving owes much to the vigour and freedom bought about by the Arts & Crafts Movement, headed by William Morris (1834-1896).  He was responsible for reviving many old crafts in England and tapestry weaving benefited greatly from his fresh vision and creative energy.  After visiting French tapestry weavers in 1878 at Aubusson  he had a high-warp loom built in his bedroom and  taught himself to weave using an 18^th century French manual.  With colleagues and friends such as Edward Burne-Jones and JH Dearle, he set up a company known as Morris & Co, which as well as designing tapestries also produced furniture,  wallpaper, stained glass, embroidery and murals.  We are proud to include all of Morris’ well-known wall hangings in our collection, including The Woodpecker, Tree of Life and the magnificent set of Holy Grail Tapestries.