Compton A6 Notebook

This plain note/sketch book has been created exclusively for our Morris Mania exhibition. Taking inspiration from the newly-commissioned work 'Wallpaper, 2025' by filmmaker Natalie Cubides-Brady, where the film explores how William Morris's designs have been used in screen history. 

The sketchbook has been printed in the UK and celebrates one of the much loved designs featured in the film. Compton was designed by John Henry Dearle for Morris & Co in 1896. 

Designs featured in the film are, Windrush, Sunflower, Chrysanthemum, Blackthorn, Golden Lily, Seaweed, Compton, Pimpernel, Fruit & Willow Bough.

About the Exhibition 

William Morris (1834-96) has gone viral. Today, we find his infinitely-reproduced botanical patterns on shower curtains, phone cases, on film and TV, and in all corners of our homes, dentist waiting rooms and shopping centres. 

Morris Mania will explore a complicated legacy. Over 125 years since his death, Morris’s work continues to grow in popularity. His patterns are now affordable, well-loved and available to people across the globe, something he failed to achieve in his lifetime. However, this has been achieved in the context of mass-production, computer-generated design, global capitalism and environmental crisis. Morris Mania will consider the ongoing impact of Britain’s most iconic designer in our increasingly cluttered and commodified world.

Morris Mania is curated by Hadrian Garrard, Director of William Morris Gallery. Part of the Gallery’s 75th Anniversary Year programme, the exhibition will be accompanied by an exciting programme of events and activities at the Gallery.

Care & Information

• Printed in Sussex
• A6 in size
• Plain 150gsm acid-free cartridge paper
  
• Compton by John Henry Dearle, 1896