May Morris Book Bag by Hand & Lock

Inspired by a book bag belonging to May Morris and held within the Gallery archives, this stunning and contemporary take by Hand & Lock has been meticulously machine embroidered in London and features hand-finished goldwork embroidery embellishments. 

The original bag was designed and made by William Morris’s two daughters, May & Jenny. It was designed by May to contain a ‘Psalter’ (a book of psalms) from William Morris’s extensive collection of medieval manuscripts. The original bag features the word ‘Psalterium’ in silk gothic letters, embroidered by Jenny to the back of the bag. This has been updated on our re-imagined version of the original design to include ‘Love is enough’, William Morris’s poem first published in 1873 declaring love is all one should need. 

Forming part of our Archive Collection, where rare objects and designs from the gallery’s archive are skillfully recontextualized with a contemporary lens in small numbers by modern British artisans. Every purchase directly supports the maker & the traditional practice of art and crafts within the UK, alongside supporting William Morris Gallery’s work, helping to fund our education initiatives, conservation efforts and world-class exhibitions.

Care & Information 

• Individually hand-embroidered in London
• Size: H29cm x W12.5cm
• Material: Cotton Threads, Beads, Cotton Bag & Handle
• Limited Edition of 15
• Made Exclusively by Hand & Lock for William Morris Gallery