In celebration of the 175th anniversary of William Morris's birth, the Cleveland Public Library's Special Collections Department is featuring a display of his works. 

William Morris was born in 1824, near London, England.  He was a writer of poetry, fiction, and a translator of ancient and medieval texts.  He was also an architect, artist, and a socialist reformer.  Morris created designs for textiles, furniture, and wallpaper that helped to initiate the Arts and Crafts Movement in England.  The Arts and Crafts Movement emphasized simplicity, good craftsmanship, and good design.  The movement rejected the Victorian ideas of opulence and over embellishment.  The importance of William Morris can be seen today in the lasting legacy of his designs and the enduring appeal of his work.