In Focus Tour: The Islamic Influence on the Arts and Crafts Movement

Starting with the Ardabil carpet, bought by the V&A at William Morris' instigation and which acted as an inspiration not only in design but also in technique, this tour will chart the Islamic influence on the Arts and Crafts movement with objects spread across our collection. We will look at the Málaga ship bowl, and compare it with De Morgan's work in the British gallery. Looking at the Bullerswood carpet, we will also discuss how Morris' study of Persian carpets influenced his own work. And finally, we will investigate how Islamic philosophy influenced the later generation of Arts and Crafts workers, with a close study of the Gimson chair.