Women in Print at the William Morris Gallery

Last Sunday Vicki, Roni and I escaped the usual rhythm and took a trip into London together. No agenda, no rush... just a shared curiosity and a chance to spend proper time learning something new.

We visited the Women in Print: 150 Years of Liberty Textiles exhibition at the William Morris Gallery and it turned out to be one of those quietly inspiring days that stays with you. You can visit the exhibition till 21st of June 2026.

The exhibition celebrates the women who have shaped Liberty’s textile identity over 150 years. Designers whose influence is woven into some of the most recognisable patterns in British design history. Not just the patterns themselves but the people, stories and ideas woven into them. Walking through it side by side, Vicki, Roni and I found ourselves stopping often, pointing things out to each other, comparing favourites and reading far more than we usually would.

What added real depth was the historical connection between William Morris and Liberty.

Arthur Lasenby Liberty founded Liberty & Co. in 1875, at a time when Morris was already shaping the Arts and Crafts movement. Morris believed design should be honest, useful and beautiful not reserved for the elite. Liberty shared that belief and sold Morris & Co. fabrics in its early years, helping bring those values into everyday homes. Standing in Morris’s former home, looking at Liberty textiles created decades later, that thread of shared purpose felt very tangible.

The exhibition itself is rich but not overwhelming with original sketches, fabrics, garments and photographs spanning generations of women designers. What struck us most was how timeless so many of the designs felt. Some were over a hundred years old, yet could sit comfortably in a modern interior or wardrobe.

For us, it wasn’t just a design exhibition. It was a reminder of the value of craftsmanship, of slowing down and of recognising the people behind the work especially those whose contributions weren’t always celebrated at the time.

We left feeling refreshed, inspired, and quietly grateful for a Sunday well spent.

At Farthings Dry Cleaners, we believe the things you choose to own deserve to be cared for properly. Clothing is not disposable; it’s personal, practical and often beautiful. Our work is rooted in respect for craftsmanship, taking time, paying attention to detail and doing things the right way rather than the fastest way. By cleaning, repairing and preserving garments with care, we help them last longer, look better and continue to earn their place in everyday life.