Two Designs for a Sofa - William Morris
Archival giclée
Ready to hang
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Made to order
Description
A rare glimpse into the design process of William Morris, this pencil sketch showcases two sofa designs from 1861-1862. A fascinating piece of Arts and Crafts history, perfect for adding a touch of intellectual elegance to your home.
This intriguing drawing, 'Two Designs for a Sofa', originates from the prolific workshop of William Morris (1834-1896), a leading figure of the British Arts and Crafts movement. Dating from 1861-1862, the sketch provides a fascinating glimpse into the design process of Morris & Co., revealing the meticulous planning and collaborative spirit that underpinned their creations. While Dante Gabriel Rossetti is credited in the filename, the design is definitively attributed to William Morris. The sketch showcases two distinct sofa designs, rendered in delicate pencil lines. Annotations and measurements offer insight into the construction and intended materials. The upper design features a suspended fabric back and sides, while the lower design presents a more traditional upholstered form. As a fine art print, this piece offers a unique opportunity to own a fragment of design history. Its understated elegance and historical significance make it a sophisticated addition to any home, particularly suited to a study, living room, or hallway. The monochromatic palette ensures it complements a wide range of interior styles, adding a touch of intellectual charm and artistic heritage.
Return policy
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. EU customers have a 14-day cooling-off right. See our refunds page for full details.
Shipping
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.
Two Designs for a Sofa - William Morris
Our Features
Designed for Lasting Impact
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
- Choose poster, framed print, canvas or framed canvas
- 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
Why Choose Us ?
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Fast Shipping
Museum-Quality Materials
Artist Biography
William Morris
Morris learned his craft through a unique blend of academic study, artistic collaboration and hands-on experimentation. While at Oxford University he immersed himself in medieval literature and architecture, forging lifelong friendships with Pre-Raphaelite painters who shared his passion for nature and medieval aesthetics. After graduation he studied pattern making, dyeing and weaving techniques by working directly with artisans and by founding the firm Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. in 1861. This workshop-school model allowed Morris to develop his signature style—melding historic motifs with innovative colour palettes—while training a generation of craftsmen in hand block printing and tapestry weaving.
He became known for his most popular artworks through an enduring series of textile and wallpaper patterns that remain iconic today. Designs such as Strawberry Thief, inspired by thrushes in his own kitchen garden; Willow Bough, with its dancing branch motif; and Trellis, featuring interlacing vines, exemplify the seamless blend of function and beauty at the heart of Morris & Co. These bestselling William Morris wallpaper designs and fabric prints were exhibited at international fairs and commissioned for country houses and town residences throughout Britain and beyond. By combining rich botanical imagery with meticulous handcraft techniques, Morris's most popular artworks set new standards in decorative design and continue to influence interior trends worldwide.
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