William Morris Is Inspiration For Annual Arts Awards

---

Cash awards on offer for local artists

A new annual award recognising artistic endeavour within Merton is being sponsored by William Morris House in Wimbledon town centre.

William Morris was the moving spirit of the Arts and Craft Movement at the end of the 19th century who revolutionised British art and design. Morris’ company produced his world famous designs for fabrics, ceramics and stained glass at Merton Abbey Mills. 

In order to reinstate the reputation of William Morris as a pre-eminent British designer and to remind everyone that his beliefs, both artistic and altruistic found their highpoint in Wimbledon, the Management Committee of William Morris House is sponsoring the award to recognise the work of local artists and reflect the wide range of disciplines under the Arts and Crafts banner.

Although Morris died in 1896, many of his staff were encouraged by him and his ideas to become involved in community activity. Workers from the William Morris Works were instrumental in helping to purchase William Morris House at 267 The Broadway. The building was opened on 30 September 1922 by Rt Hon Arthur Henderson MP as meeting rooms for local people and their organisations.

Anyone living, working or studying in the London Borough of Merton can enter for the William Morris Award for Contemporary Arts & Crafts, and there will be two categories:

Adult 1st Prize £500, 2nd Prize £350, 3rd Prize £150

Under 18 1st Prize £250, Runner-up £150, 3rd Prize £100.

There will also be a number of Distinction Awards given to those schools and colleges whose work achieves a high order of merit.

A small panel made up of local artists and people connected with the arts has been created. The judges are: Simon Betts, Dean of College, Wimbledon College of Arts; Felicity Gill, an award winning artist, Tony Kane, Founder, Time and Leisure; Lorraine McGinnis, Former 6th Form College, Head of Art and Steve Spence, Senior Lecturer, University of the Arts London.

For more information, please email: wma@vistaevents.co.uk.

What do you think? Why not comment on our forum?

October 26, 2016