In my recent trip to London, I came to realize that one of my favorite designers, who was the main influence for much of early 20th century residential architecture in the United States, (Riverside included) was from Walthamstow. I spent the majority of my childhood in that town and felt even more connected with the designer as I learned that the park my brothers and I spent so much time in was at one point William Morris’ backyard. We likely climbed on the same trees, and played on the same island surrounded by the same moat. Although nearly 200 years have passed since his birth it also seems that we are faced with the same challenges, the largest being the preservation of our built and natural environment. Morris was a founder of The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings and in 1877, said, “I wish for…an association…to keep a watch on old monuments, to protest again all ‘restoration’ that means more than keeping out wind and weather.” It’s important now more than ever, as many of our civic and residential structures as well as monuments and parks are approaching 100 years old that we pay special attention to them, to their repair and maintenance so that they can be appreciated by future generations.
William Morris believed strongly in the need for art and beauty in our lives and reflected these ideals in his design work. He felt that art should surround us and not be confined to galleries and formal spaces. He developed an interior design aesthetic that could be enjoyed on a daily basis but was also functional, his most widely known quote is that you must “have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” Much of his work was inspired by nature so it’s common to find plant, flower and tree motifs as well as birds, foxes and other English country animals as the centerpiece of his designs.
It was apparent as we traveled through London that his influence is still alive and well. His design ideas and philosophy was most obvious in London’s “Liberty” store in Oxford Circus. A four story half-timbered Tudor building, constructed with material from ancient battleships, was a striking contrast to the buildings around it and immediately grabbed our attention. Within the store you’ll find hand-carved panels and railings, creaky old stairs and beautifully worn oak flooring. Each floor houses different products from home furnishings to clothing but our favorite floor was reserved for textiles and fabrics. Morris was represented strongly through floral and fauna patterns on draperies, upholstery and other furnishings. They even carried an entire shelf worth of original Morris pattern books! 
It has been an enjoyable journey researching Morris’ work. My wife and I visited the Morris exhibit at the Huntington Library, have now been to his home in Walthamstow and eventually will visit Red House in Kent. Each encounter with Morris’ work brings about a new appreciation but this time was different. The experience of being surrounded by history as opposed to peering in on it was a powerful reminder that those that have come before us are truly apart of us. Our experience is built on the backs of giants and we have a lot to be thankful for. History has shaped our society and taught us important lessons, it’s important that while we transform as individuals and as a society we also protect what was entrusted to us.
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