How We Might Live: The Vision of William Morris

This exhibit examines the life and vision of inspirational firebrand William Morris (1834-1896). It focuses on his written works, political activism and artistic endeavors. Morris was a man of incredible depth and breadth of talent. His creativity and industry are aspirational for today's citizens. How We Might Live: The Vision of William Morris seeks to instruct viewers on the rich life of William Morris and to showcase the University of Maryland Libraries' William Morris Collection.

How We Might Live: The Vision of William Morris draws from the University of Maryland Libraries' William Morris Collection. The collection was established in 1985 with the purchase of approximately three hundred and forty titles of English-language books and related material printed by or about William Morris. The core of the collection was purchased by the University of Maryland from collector John J. Walsdorf, an avid Morris scholar and collector. The collection has continued to grow since 1985; the recent acquisition, in 2011, of The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer is the crown jewel of the William Morris Collection.

"I cannot suppose there is anybody here who would think it either a good life, or an amusing one, to sit with one's hands before one doing nothing"

- William Morris, Hopes and Fears for Art, 1882 -