WHAT? Woman in Print: 150 Years of Liberty Textiles
WHERE? William Morris Gallery, Lloyd Park, Forest Road, London E17 4PP
WHEN? Now until 21st June 2026. Free to view
WHY GO? To be spun a yarn. Liberty has always been at the forefront of promoting girl power in textile design. This wonderful niche exhibition pays tribute to all those visionary women who helped make Liberty the global success it is today. Many are well-known names like Lucienne Day and Althea McNish but others have long been forgotten, until now! A double delight is that it’s on show at the esteemed William Morris Gallery, that other inspirational name for pattern. Liberty, founded in 1875, originally imported textiles from the Middle East before creating their own in-house design studio. By the 1930s it was not unusual for women to be professional textile designers but their names remained mainly under the radar. Lucienne Day was one of the first to be formally recognised for her contributions to post-war interiors. This being the 150th anniversary of Liberty, curators were inspired to delve into the archives and showcase original artworks, textiles and clothes designed by women throughout the decades plus all manner of handicrafts for lovers of pattern and print to appreciate. Credit is especially awarded to the talented Collier Campbell sisters who have long been associated with Liberty and indeed Sarah Campbell, along with her contemporaries, are on film offering their insights into how women have helped shape the treasured brand.

IN THE KNOW Explore the life of textile designer, poet and artist William Morris. The gallery’s permanent display is themed to reveal all about the master of Arts and Crafts, from his Morris & Co workshops at Merton Abbey to his radical designs and domestic life. And if all that pattern leaves you ready for a cuppa, there’s a wonderful little cafe and seductive gift shop onsite. It’s impossible not to carry away a printed tea towel, trinket or two!