Walter Crane (1845 - 1915) was probably one of the most versatile artist/designers of his generation. He was an accomplished painter in both oils and watercolours, calligraphy, a designer of stained glass, tiles, pottery, tapesteries, embroideries, metalwork, wallpaper, woven and printed textiles and carpets.

It was as an illustrator of children's books, however, that he is best remembered. He was a founder member and President of the Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society, and was Principal of the Royal College of Art from 1898 to 1899.

William Morris (1834-1896) was born in Walthamstow, Essex, England. In 1853 he went to Oxford University, and during the next few years he would meet many of the men who would prove to be the most influential in his life. They included the architect Philip Webb, designer of Red House, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, who was the leading figure in the newly formed Pre-Raphaelite Movement and later the lover of Morris' wife Jane, and the artist Edward Burne-Jones who would remain a life-long friend.

In 1861 he founded Morris and Co., commissioning many of his friends to design furniture, ceramics and stained glass. He personally produced over 150 designs for the company, mostly textiles and wallpaper. Morris did not, however, confine himself to the decorative arts, being a vigorous political activist for socialist policies, a poet, and founder of the Kelmscott Press which most notably produced a magnificent edition of Chaucer.

Walter Crane - Swans This kit contains 14 count ivory Zweigart Aida, pre-sorted...

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William Morris - Bird This kit contains 14 count ivory Zweigart Aida, pre-sorted...

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William Morris Strawberry Theif Cross... This kit contains 14 count ivory Zweigart Aida, pre-sorted...

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