The May Morris Kit
Couldn't load pickup availability
Couldn't load pickup availability
Please note, this kit is on preorder and will be dispatched within the next two weeks
Introducing our Icons and Pioneers collection: a series of kits inspired by the lives of notable women throughout history.
May Morris (1862-1938) was the daughter of illustrious British designer, craftsman and social activist William Morris. Often overshadowed by her father's success, May's contribution to the decorative arts, in particular to the art of embroidery, was in the past much overlooked.
Over the years, May's work began to receive more attention. She began to be recognised in her own right, for her exceptional talents within embroidery and her prolific output. A retrospective of her life was displayed for the first time at the William Morris Gallery in 1989 and since then, the research into May's life and career has expanded.
Today, she is recognised as a leading figure from the Arts & Crafts movement. Her portfolio continues to provide endless inspiration to embroidery designers the world over.
This October, in association with the William Morris Gallery and their new exhibition 'Women in Print', Hand & Lock has produced a limited edition collection of May Morris inspired embroidery kits, as well as a wider Morris inspired collection of embroidered patches and accessories.
This kit includes:
A 35x35cm printed satin base, featuring a trellis pattern and a central halo.
Design Guide: Inside the halo sits a pre-machine embroidered design. This acts as a guide for you to fill in, making the kit perfect for beginners and intermediate embroiderers alike.
Silk shading: You will receive a selection of stranded cotton threads in blues, pinks and greens. Much of the design is filled with silk shading and other thread work techniques such as chain stitch and french knots.
Contemporary goldwork: To give this kit a H&L spin, we have incorporated elements of contemporary goldwork such as loops and couching stretched bullion.
Tools: The kit also includes needles, thread and wax.
The design has been directly inspired by a piece titled 'Rose Wreath', embroidered by May Morris in 1890. The Hand & Lock design team were lucky enough to see this piece in person when they visited the William Morris Gallery Archive in early 2025. The H&L design team used Rose Wreath as the main reference for the design but incorporated some twists, such as more flowers and a little bird perching on a branch. Birds feature heavily is Morris' work so this felt like a fitting detail!
Women in Print opens at the William Morris Gallery on the 18th October 2025. This major exhibition will highlight the pivotal role and contributions of women textile designers.
https://www.wmgallery.org.uk/event/women-in-print/
Charity Donation
£1 per sale will go directly to the Wonder Foundation - a women-led charity dedicated to transforming the lives of women, girls, and their communities through quality education.
Get 10% off your first order when you subscribe to our newsletter.
Get exclusive access, notifications and updates on new products, classes and events.
86, Margaret Street,
London,
W1W 8TE
Tel: 0207 580 7488
Get 10% off your first order when you subscribe to our newsletter. Get exclusive access, notifications and updates on new products, classes and events.
Please note, this kit is on preorder and will be dispatched within the next two weeks
Introducing our Icons and Pioneers collection: a series of kits inspired by the lives of notable women throughout history.
May Morris (1862-1938) was the daughter of illustrious British designer, craftsman and social activist William Morris. Often overshadowed by her father's success, May's contribution to the decorative arts, in particular to the art of embroidery, was in the past much overlooked.
Over the years, May's work began to receive more attention. She began to be recognised in her own right, for her exceptional talents within embroidery and her prolific output. A retrospective of her life was displayed for the first time at the William Morris Gallery in 1989 and since then, the research into May's life and career has expanded.
Today, she is recognised as a leading figure from the Arts & Crafts movement. Her portfolio continues to provide endless inspiration to embroidery designers the world over.
This October, in association with the William Morris Gallery and their new exhibition 'Women in Print', Hand & Lock has produced a limited edition collection of May Morris inspired embroidery kits, as well as a wider Morris inspired collection of embroidered patches and accessories.
This kit includes:
A 35x35cm printed satin base, featuring a trellis pattern and a central halo.
Design Guide: Inside the halo sits a pre-machine embroidered design. This acts as a guide for you to fill in, making the kit perfect for beginners and intermediate embroiderers alike.
Silk shading: You will receive a selection of stranded cotton threads in blues, pinks and greens. Much of the design is filled with silk shading and other thread work techniques such as chain stitch and french knots.
Contemporary goldwork: To give this kit a H&L spin, we have incorporated elements of contemporary goldwork such as loops and couching stretched bullion.
Tools: The kit also includes needles, thread and wax.
The design has been directly inspired by a piece titled 'Rose Wreath', embroidered by May Morris in 1890. The Hand & Lock design team were lucky enough to see this piece in person when they visited the William Morris Gallery Archive in early 2025. The H&L design team used Rose Wreath as the main reference for the design but incorporated some twists, such as more flowers and a little bird perching on a branch. Birds feature heavily is Morris' work so this felt like a fitting detail!
Women in Print opens at the William Morris Gallery on the 18th October 2025. This major exhibition will highlight the pivotal role and contributions of women textile designers.
https://www.wmgallery.org.uk/event/women-in-print/
Charity Donation
£1 per sale will go directly to the Wonder Foundation - a women-led charity dedicated to transforming the lives of women, girls, and their communities through quality education.