William Morris and Manchester’s Creative Roots

Manchester has long been a hidden gem in the Arts and Crafts movement, with connections that run far deeper than most realise. William Morris, the movement’s most iconic figure, was a frequent visitor to the city, and Manchester was home to the only Morris & Co shop outside of London – located right on Albert Square.

It was here that Morris first shared his now-famous philosophy: Do not have anything in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful – words that would echo through design history.

 

A Crucible of Artistic Innovation

The city was a crucible of artistic and social innovation. Morris delivered his groundbreaking lecture Art, Wealth and Riches at the Manchester Royal Institution (now Manchester Art Gallery), an event that challenged contemporary thinking – though perhaps a bit too radically for its initial audience!

Alongside Morris, other influential figures like John Ruskin frequently lectured here, and artists such as Walter Crane – who was Head of Design at the Manchester Municipal School of Art from 1893 to 1896 – helped shape the city’s creative landscape.

 

The Northern Art Workers’ Guild: A Revolutionary Collective

But there’s an even more fascinating story waiting to be told. In 1896, a group of passionate local artists, architects, and artisans came together to form the Northern Art Workers’ Guild – a collective that would challenge the traditional narratives of the Arts and Crafts movement. Unlike many contemporary movements that focused on rural idylls or London-centric perspectives, this Guild planted its roots firmly in the heart of industrial England.

 

Breaking Barriers: Women in the Arts and Crafts Movement

What makes this Guild truly remarkable was its progressive spirit. At a time when women were often marginalized in professional circles, the Northern Art Workers’ Guild was radical in its approach. Women were not just members but active, equal participants – holding office, delivering talks, and showcasing their work in open exhibitions.

 

A Lasting Legacy of Design and Creativity

Though the Guild existed for a relatively short period (1896-1912), its influence rippled far beyond its years. Its legacy continued through subsequent initiatives like the Manchester branch of the Design & Industries Association, established in 1917, and the Red Rose Guild of Artworkers, which began its annual craft exhibitions in 1920. These organisations ensured that Manchester continued to be an important centre for craft and design in the inter-war years.

 

Join Us for an Extraordinary Journey

Join us for an extraordinary journey through Manchester’s hidden design history. Barry Clark will unveil this captivating narrative through a beautifully illustrated talk, bringing to life original documents and untold stories of creativity, innovation, and social change. As an experienced lecturer, author and craft bookbinder, Barry offers a uniquely insightful perspective on this fascinating chapter of Manchester’s artistic heritage.

 

Practical Information

The presentation will include time for questions and discussion. Booking is essential.

 

Accessibility Information

The venue is wheelchair accessible with an accessible toilet on the ground floor. Please contact us regarding any specific accessibility requirements you may have by emailing events@manlitphil.ac.uk

Did you know that many of Europe’s modern roads still follow ancient Roman paths? Join us as historian Catherine Fletcher uncovers the fascinating stories of the world’s most influential road network.

 

Journey Highlights

Drawing from her own travels from Scotland to Istanbul, Catherine explores:

– How these remarkable roads shaped the cultures and connections of an entire continent

– The diverse voices of those who travelled these routes – from pilgrims and artists to refugees and revolutionaries

– What these ancient highways reveal about power, resistance, and cultural exchange across two millennia

 

Characters You’ll Meet

You’ll meet an unforgettable cast of characters along the way, including spies, Byzantine noblewomen, John Keats, Frederick Douglass, and even Mussolini on his motorbike. Through their stories, discover how these stone-paved paths continue to captivate our imagination and influence our world today.

 

Questions We’ll Explore

The event will explore intriguing questions like:

– Why do Roman roads still appear on modern maps?

– How did local communities respond to these new connections through their lands?

– What can these ancient routes tell us about our present-day networks and connections?

 

Research and Background

Based on original research and Catherine’s personal journey, this talk promises to be an enlightening exploration of history, culture, and human connection.

 

About the speaker

Catherine Fletcher is Professor of History at Manchester Metropolitan University and author of The Roads to Rome: A History. A regular voice on BBC Radio 4 and popular history podcasts, she brings historical insights to wide audiences through her engaging storytelling.

 

Event schedule

5.15 pm – Arrival and check-in

5.30 – 6.30 pm – Drinks reception/food for members and special guests in the Geoffrey Manton Atrium

6.30 – 7.45 pm – Lecture by Professor Catherine Fletcher in Geoffrey Manton Lecture Room 5 (GMLT5)

7.45 pm – Event ends

Download MMU Parking Information

We are very grateful to Manchester Metropolitan University for hosting this year’s Percival Lecture. This is a members-only event and places are limited.