Tulips & Peacocks: William Morris and Art from the Islamic World

William Morris (1834-1896), one of the main founders of the Arts and Crafts movement, was responsible for hundreds of wallpaper, fabric, tapestry and rug designs that are emblematic of the late 19th century and continue to resonate today. It is now widely recognized that his artistic production was stimulated by his deep familiarity with the embroideries, woven velvets, silks, carpets and metal objects of Iran, Syria and Turkey, which he collected throughout his life.
Based on Morris's personal collection of Islamic artworks, this lavishly illustrated book offers diverse perspectives to contextualize Morris's role in contemporary debates on colonial collecting, the representation of Islam in the museum context and issues of cultural appropriation, thanks to contributors in the fields of British art and crafts and art of the Islamic world.