May Morris Embroidered Patches from Hand & Lock

In celebration of our Women in Print exhibition, William Morris Gallery proudly presents a limited collection of embroidered iron-on patches by heritage makers Hand & Lock. 

These exclusive designs are a tribute to May Morris — William Morris’s youngest daughter, celebrated embroidery designer, jeweller, and pioneering artisan.

May was a skilled artisan, influential embroidery designer, jeweller, socialist and editor. By the age of 23, May was the Director of the embroidery department at Morris & Co and went on to form the Women’s Guild of Arts in 1907. May often adopted a free-form embroidery style known as Art needlework, where freehand stitching and delicate shading in silk thread was thought to encourage self-expression in the needleworker. A sharp contrast with the brightly coloured and rigid wool work needlepoint aesthetic that had grown popular during the mid-19th century. 

Designs available take inspiration from objects within our collection, including one of May Morris’ most successful embroidery designs ‘Maids of Honour’. Fantastical flowers bloom in vibrant tones with intricate stitch details and metallic detailing completing the charming designs. The original design features four birds with outstretched wings in the corners and the opening lines of Robert Herrick’s (1591-1674) poem ‘Welcome, maids of honour, you do bring in the Spring and wait upon her’. 

Care & Information

• Love is enough Rose Garden patch Size:11.5x13.5cm Material: Embroidered in Cotton threads on a felt base 
• Wild Fruits Patch Trio  Size: approx 5-7cm Material: Embroidered in Cotton threads on a felt base 
• Nesting Bird Patch Size:12x8.8cm Material: Embroidered in Cotton threads on a felt base  Backing: Iron on
• Made in UK 
• Exclusive to William Morris Gallery