Workers’ Educational Association
The UK’s largest voluntary sector provider of adult learning
Course Outline
This course outline describes what will be covered in your course.
It also sets out what you should expect to learn. There will be an opportunity for course
members to discuss the course content with the tutor.
Course Title
Art History: The Age of William Morris
Course ID
C2415791
Tutor
Start date
27/9/11
Day(s)/time(s)
No. of sessions
10
Hours per session
Sue Curran
Tuesday 1.30 – 3.30pm
2
Fees
£78
Venue: Wanstead House
Branch/Partner
Wanstead and Woodford
Branch/Partner contact details
020 8555 9127
Publicity Description
The course will evaluate the importance of local hero William Morris’ wide range of work,
and place it in social and artistic contexts (socialism and the Aesthetic Movement in
particular). There will be guest speakers.
Course Aims
This course is aimed at examining William Morris's life and times, and his continuing impact
on the world of design. We shall look at the Pre-Raphaelite Movement, the influence of
John Ruskin on Morris's thinking, his association with Edward Burn Jones, Charles Voysey
etc. During the course we will consider Morris's literary works and The Kelmscott Press (
the publishing house he founded). His connection with Liberty & Co., and Sanderson
Wallpapers and the Glasgow School of Art. The world-wide spread of the Movement he
founded will also be assessed.
Main Topics Covered
As the founder of the Arts & Crafts Movement, a designer, writer, poet, and a Socialist,
Morris was a charismatic and innovative thinker, and still influences us today. Topics will
include:

The life of William Morris

Influence of John Ruskin and Socialism

The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and Morris's wife Jane (Burden) Morris

Morris's philosophy and the influences of nature and 'the natural': 'Have nothing in
your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.'

Textiles and art

Furniture and architecture

Stained glass

Connection with Liberty's etc.

Poetry and prose writing and the founding of Publishing

World-wide Arts & Crafts Movement
Pre-course preparation, reading, internet research etc.
No background reading or research is required, although an interest in the Arts & Crafts
Movement, the pre-Raphaelites and/or William Morris, himself, will be welcomed.
Essential costs/materials
Pen and notebook, plus a folder for storing Handouts and notes.
Level 2
Entry Requirements: None
Qualification gained None
Teaching and learning methods used
Lectures, quizzes, Q&A sessions, group discussions. Handouts will be provided, covering
all aspects of Morris's' life and the Arts & Crafts Movement and those associated with it.
During the course, we will have the opportunity to welcome guest speakers, who are
experts in different areas of William Morris's work.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course learners will be able to:
1. Appreciate the Arts & Crafts Movement more fully
2. Have a far better understanding of William Morris's attitudes to design and other
elements of his craft
3. Assess the effect his political commitment had upon his life and work
4. Be aware of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and other important figures who had
an effect on Morris's work (e.g. William Robinson - gardener)
5. Analyse the different aspects of Morris's work – from textile design to poetry
6. Consider the world-wide spread of the Movement Morris founded (including its
commercial aspects)
7. Be able to identify and discuss the influence of William Morris and his colleagues
on today's designers
How do you know you are learning?
Q&A sessions, quizzes, research outside of the classroom (Homework can be provided if
required)
Suggested Further Study and Progression Routes
These will be discussed as the course comes to an end.
Brief tutor profile
I hold the City & Guilds 'Preparing To Teach' qualification, plus a BSc Honours in Social
Sciences, specialising in Sociology, Social History, and the Sociology of Literature. In my
previous working life, as an Editor, I organised and ran workshops, conferences and study
days. I have also taught evening classes, so I have had many years of teaching
experience. This will be my third year of teaching with the WEA.
If you would like more information about other WEA courses, please contact
WEA London and Southern Regions’ Support Centre.
You can now enrol and pay on-line. Go to: www.wea.org.uk