As 'Women in Print - 150 Years of Liberty Textiles' opened this weekend I couldn’t miss this opportunity to surround myself in fabric at the stunning William Morris Gallery, in Walthamstow, London.
A partnership with Liberty Fabrics and William Morris Gallery, the exhibition features over 100 works, spanning garments, fabric, original designs, film and historic photographs.
With names like Althea McNish, Sonia Delaunay, sisters Susan Collier and Sarah Campbell, and Lucienne Day, the exhibition traces the rich history of such influential women in textiles.
Marina, 1957, Cebollas Garden, Althea McNish
Apache, 1959, Colleen Farr
Coronation Rose, 1952, Lucienne Day
'Women in Print' provides a beautiful look behind the scenes from the past 150 years at an archive filled with brave, creative and artistic patterns.
We might think of Liberty’s iconic prints as the classic Tana Lawn ditsy floral, Hera peacock feather or paisley. With such diverse themes and patterns it’s hard to define what makes a Liberty print, but I’d definitely agree with Sarah Campbell when she says “interesting and enduring”.
Fashion and furnishings, Susan Collier and Sarah Campbell
The large-scale, hand-drawn repeats of William Morris were a huge influence in my formal training and early days as a print designer. For me, William Morris and Liberty go hand-in-hand, and the gallery complements this exhibition perfectly.
Walking around I became very nostalgic for my time at Liberty, seeing all the familiar Tana Lawns and those names who worked on the prints. Liberty really is a British institution for patterns, fabrics and scarves.
Enjoying the fellow designers and silk prints in the scarf room.
Geometric scarf design, 1978, Sonia Delaunay
Bingo, 1961, Jacqueline Groag
I won’t share too much, but here’s a few highlights, including Pat Albeck’s first experiment with Magic Markers. I love that the 60’s brought with it a new medium that gave quicker results than gouache, but achieving the same glorious flat colours. I feel less bad about the pleasure I get from my choice of Sharpies.
Charlotte, 1961, Pat Albeck, Magic Markers
Summertime, 1969, Sarah Campbell
'Women in Print' runs from 18 Oct 2025 until Sunday 21 June 2026
Whilst there you can discover the inviting grounds of the house and enjoy delicious home cooked foods in the Café. On Saturdays, there's an outdoor food market too!
William Morris Gallery
Lloyd Park, Forest Road
Walthamstow
London E17 4PP
William Morris mural, neighbouring street
