William Morris: Common Paradise

A major exhibition exploring the radical and enduring legacy of the 19th century designer, writer and activist William Morris.

The exhibition explores Morris’s belief that beauty, equality and the natural world were the essential foundations for a just society through more than 100 works – including textiles, wallpapers, ceramics, stained glass, books and personal artefacts.

Drawing on the collections at the Whitworth and key loans, Common Paradise brings to life Morris’s ‘art for all’ philosophy, his collaborations with family and friends, and his pioneering efforts in sustainable making and social reform. The exhibition explores how Morris’s ideas connect to contemporary issues including environmental consciousness, encouraging visitors to consider how his vision can inspire our present and shape a better, more equal future.

William Morris: Common Paradise is organised by the Whitworth, The University of Manchester.

12 December 2026 – 14 November 2027

Image: Design for Willow Bough wallpaper, William Morris, 1887. Image courtesy of the Whitworth, The University of Manchester. Photography by Michael Pollard.