Strawberry Thief (Furnishing Fabric) block printing, England

William Morris (1834—1896) was a British textile designer, poet, artist, novelist, architectural conservationist, printer, translator and socialist activist associated with the British Arts and Crafts Movement. He was a major contributor to the revival of traditional British textile arts and methods of production. His literary contributions helped to establish the modern fantasy genre, while he helped win acceptance of socialism in fin de siècle Great Britain. Morris was born in Walthamstow, Essex, to a wealthy middle-class family. He came under the strong influence of medievalism while studying Classics at Oxford University, there joining the Birmingham Set. After university, he married Jane Burden, and developed close friendships with Pre-Raphaelite artists Edward Burne-Jones and Dante Gabriel Rossetti and with Neo-Gothic architect Philip Webb. Webb and Morris designed Red House in Kent where Morris lived from 1859 to 1865, before moving to Bloomsbury, central London. In 1861, Morris founded the Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. decorative arts firm with Burne-Jones, Rossetti, Webb, and others, which became highly fashionable and much in demand. The firm profoundly influenced interior decoration throughout the Victorian period, with Morris designing tapestries, wallpaper, fabrics, furniture, and stained glass windows. In 1875, he assumed total control of the company, which was renamed Morris & Co.

Weaving patterns in the 19th century were often inspired by traditional styles and motifs, as well as by the art and design movements of the time. Some popular weaving patterns during this period included: Floral patterns: Floral patterns were very popular in 19th-century weaving, and they often featured intricate and detailed designs. These patterns could be inspired by a wide range of flowers, including roses, lilies, and poppies. Geometric patterns: Geometric patterns were also popular during the 19th century, and they often featured repeating shapes and lines. These patterns could include circles, squares, diamonds, and other simple shapes. Paisley patterns: Paisley patterns, which feature an ornate, teardrop-shaped design, were also popular in the 19th century. These patterns were often inspired by traditional Indian textiles and were often used in shawls, scarves, and other decorative fabrics. Stripes and plaids: Striped and plaid patterns were also popular in the 19th century, and they were often used in clothing and home textiles. These patterns could feature a wide range of colors and were often used to create a bold, visually striking effect. Animal and nature-inspired patterns: Animal and nature-inspired patterns, such as those featuring birds, flowers, or landscapes, were also popular during the 19th century. These patterns could be very detailed and realistic, or they could be more stylized and abstract.

Islamic art refers to the visual arts that were produced in the Islamic world, which encompasses a vast geographical area stretching from Spain and North Africa in the west to Central Asia and India in the east. Islamic art is characterized by its focus on religious themes and its emphasis on the representation of spiritual truths. Islamic art is also known for its distinctive aesthetic features, including the use of calligraphy, geometric patterns, and arabesque designs. Islamic art covers a wide range of media, including architecture, painting, calligraphy, ceramics, and textiles. In the narrowest sense, the arts of the Islamic peoples might be said to include only those arising directly from the practice of Islam. More commonly, however, the term is extended to include all of the arts produced by Muslim peoples, whether connected with their religion or not. In this article, the subject includes the arts created in pre-Islamic times by Arabs and other peoples in Asia Minor and North Africa who eventually adopted the Islamic faith.