POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

Cabinet by Morris & Co

Object No. 2014/53/1

This cabinet or bookcase, made by Morris & Company of London, is significant as a fine example of Arts and Crafts furniture associated with one of the founders of the movement, William Morris. Morris' reaction to the industrialization of England, and his growing view that traditional arts and skills were being lost, permeated not only his designs but also his philosophical and political stance. Going back to an aesthetic based on quality craftsmanship and artistic design as well as practical use, Morris and his associates such as Ford Madox Brown, artist Dante Gabriel Rossetti and architect Philip Webb designed and made an array of products including stained glass windows, textiles and furniture that expressed their ideals and which became the foundation of what is now termed the Arts and Crafts Movement. This cabinet made by Morris & Company was probably designed by George Jack, who was working in Phillip Webb's company. Webb introduced Jack to William Morris, and he began designing furniture for Morris & Company in the 1880s. The cabinet is also significant for its long-standing history within the one family and their relationship to Australia. The cabinet was ordered and bought by Joanna and Robert Barr Smith of Adelaide, probably during a visit to England in 1884-1885 with their family. During this visit the Barr Smiths discovered the showrooms of Morris and Company and immediately fell in love with the designs of William Morris and his associates. At the time they were redecorating their home "Torrens Park" and building a summer residence "Auchendarroch" which they decided to furnish using Morris designed items. This cabinet was probably initially sent to one of these homes. It is thought that it was later moved to "The Cottage" in Argyle Street, Adelaide and later "Birksgate", Glen Osmond, South Australia. In this context the Barr Smiths were responsible for first bringing the designs of Morris and Company en masse to Australia. References: The Fine Art Society Ltd; Morris And Company, (The Fine Art Society Ltd/Haslam & Whiteway Ltd, London, 1979). Gosse, Fayette; Joanna And Robert - the Barr Smith's life in letters 1853-1919, (The Barr Smith Press, Adelaide, 1996). Menz, Christopher; Morris & Company - Pre-Raphelites and the Arts & Crafts Movement in South Australia (Art Gallery Board of South Australia, Adelaide, 1994). Michael Lea Curator, Design and Society June 2013.