Caricature of William Morris Playing Skittles - Edward Burne-Jones
Archival giclée
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Description
A humorous graphite sketch by Edward Burne-Jones depicting his friend William Morris in a moment of leisure during a game of skittles.
This informal sketch by Edward Burne-Jones captures a lighthearted moment involving his close friend and collaborator, William Morris. Executed in 1870, the drawing depicts Morris in a hunched, energetic posture as he prepares to roll a ball during a game of skittles. The composition is minimal, focusing entirely on the physical exertion of the subject. Burne-Jones uses economical graphite lines to convey the rounded form of Morris, capturing his characteristic curly hair and stout frame with a sense of humour that contrasts with the more formal, romanticised works typically associated with the Pre-Raphaelite circle.
Burne-Jones and Morris maintained a lifelong friendship that began during their time at Oxford. This drawing offers a rare glimpse into their private social life, moving away from the heavy symbolism and Arthurian themes that defined their professional output. The sketch is not a finished piece intended for public exhibition, but rather a personal observation of a companion. The simplicity of the line work demonstrates the artist's ability to capture movement and personality with very few marks. The paper shows the natural ageing of the original medium, providing a tactile quality to the print. This piece is a curious addition to any collection, representing the human side of the figures who shaped the British Arts and Crafts movement.
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Because every print is made to order, we don't offer change-of-mind returns, refunds or exchanges. If your order arrives faulty, damaged or incorrect, we'll replace it free of charge — just contact us within 48 hours of delivery. See our refunds page for full details.
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We ship worldwide, printing at the production hub nearest to your delivery address. Delivery times and costs vary by destination — you'll see the options available to you at checkout.
Manufacturing
Each print is produced to order using 12-colour giclée printing on FSC-certified archival paper. Designed in Britain and printed at your nearest production hub to reduce waste and speed up delivery.
Care and materials
Specific Features
Every Solis piece is made to order with archival, gallery-quality materials built to last.
- Museum-grade giclée printing for rich, fade-resistant colour
- Archival matte fine-art paper, FSC-certified
- Multiple sizes and framing options available
- Frames in black, natural wood, dark wood or white
- Framed prints arrive ready to hang
Care & Cleaning
To keep your artwork looking its best:
- Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight
- Never use liquid cleaners on the print or canvas surface
- Keep in a dry, room-temperature space
- Handle prints with clean, dry hands
Materials & Sizing
Museum-grade giclée on FSC-certified archival matte paper, with framed and canvas options.
- Paper sizes: A4, A3, A2, A1, A0 and B2 (50×70 cm)
- Canvas: XS (20×30 cm) to Large (60×90 cm)
- Frames: black, natural wood, dark wood or white
Caricature of William Morris Playing Skittles - Edward Burne-Jones
Artist Biography
Edward Burne Jones
Though closely associated with Rossetti, Burne-Jones forged his own distinct path, drawing inspiration from Arthurian romances, classical mythology, and the burgeoning Symbolist movement. His works, such as 'The Beguiling of Merlin' and 'King Cophetua and the Beggar Maid', are not mere illustrations but rather explorations of complex emotional states and timeless human dramas. He embraced decorative arts, designing stained glass, tapestries, and mosaics, believing in the unity of art and life.
Burne-Jones's influence extended far beyond his own lifetime. His emphasis on beauty, imagination, and the evocative power of art paved the way for the Aesthetic movement and later Symbolist painters. Collecting a Burne-Jones print allows one to bring a touch of medieval romance and ethereal beauty into the everyday, a reminder of the power of art to transport and transform.
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