Crowdfunding May Morris

The William Morris Gallery, just up the road in Walthamstow, is trying to raise £15K to put on an exhibition about the work of May, the talented, skilled, and productive daughter of William Morris.

In 2015, the V&A blogged about her as an "unsung artist" (here).

Embroidery design, c.1885, by May Morris (via)

It's difficult, no doubt, to be the child of a famous parent when you follow in their footsteps. And to be the daughter... well, she could do with a little help to get a little recognition, even a century later.

As is usual in crowdfunding, there are rewards for various amounts of support. Donate £15 and get postcards, £25 a totebag, £45 the totebag and afternoon tea for two, £100 for a silk scarf in her honeysuckle design ... and for £995, a personal tour of Hand & Lock embroidery studios!

(via)

Of course if they don't make the target, your pledge will be useless, and no money is taken from your account.

There's an interesting wrinkle: £5000 has been pledged by a single donor, contingent on the first £10K being raised.

At time of writing, just 12 days remain, and it's about a third funded. If you're a fan of the Arts & Crafts movement and have a bit of cash to spare, have a look atwww.artfund.org/get-involved/art-happens/may-morris

The museum says:

"May Morris was one of the most important figures of the Arts and Crafts movement. A successful designer of wallpaper, jewellery and woven textiles, she was most influential as a pioneer of art embroidery – her work and expertise were in demand across the world. But her achievements have for too long been overshadowed by her more famous father, William Morris. 

We think it’s time May was recognised for her own talents. That’s why we’re asking for your help in raising £15,000 to create May Morris: Art & Life, a major new exhibition of May’s work. If our campaign is successful we can bring together rarely seen embroideries, costumes, jewellery, works on paper and personal items from collections across the country – and display them side by side for the first time."

May Morris in 1909 (aged 47) (via)

Update: The project reached £15,000 funding on 14 July.