Hornpoppy Tote Bag by May Morris

Introducing a new and exclusive collection of cotton homewares and accessories, this range celebrates the enduring legacy of Arts and Crafts pioneer May Morris.

Comprising tote bags, cushion covers, tea towels, and pouches, the collection brings May’s sophisticated botanical patterns out of the William Morris Gallery Archives and into the modern home.

The textiles feature the only three wallpaper designs May created for Morris & Co. before dedicating her career almost exclusively to embroidery, beginning with Honeysuckle (1883). As her most popular and enduring pattern, Honeysuckle is defined by a net structure of untamed woody stems and curling leaves; for decades, it was misattributed to her father, William Morris, to make it more "commercially viable," but we celebrate it here as a testament to her individual genius. Also included is Horn Poppy (1885), a vibrant composition of flowers set against a decorative dotted background, and Arcadia (1886), her final wallpaper design for the firm which features a complex rhythm of twisted floral stems against a backdrop of hawthorn.

Made and printed in the UK from high-quality cotton, these pieces evoke the English countryside through May’s distinct, feminine, and timeless lens. By bringing these rare archival designs to life, this collection honours one of the most influential yet often overlooked figures in the decorative arts.

Every purchase directly supports the William Morris Gallery, helping to fund vital work in conservation, world-class exhibitions, and community education initiatives.

Care & Information

• 36 cm w x 40 cm h
• Cotton Canvas
• Made & Printed in the UK
• Exclusive to William Morris Gallery
• The tote bag has a full design on one side and an inverted image with the William Morris logo on the other. 
• Range features May Morris designs held in William Morris Gallery Archive - Arcadia 1886, Honeysuckle, 1862 & Hornpoppy, 1885