William Morris Society & Museum

About the museum

Kelmscott House in Hammersmith was the London home of William Morris from 1878 until his death in 1896. Morris called it dreary at first but soon decided that his own art could make it beautiful. During his years here he ran his design firm Morris & Co., whose works were at Merton Abbey, founded the Kelmscott Press and held meetings of the Socialist League, later the Hammersmith Socialist Society, in the Coach House.

The William Morris Society, a charity founded in 1955, is based in the Coach House and lower rooms of the house, while the main part of the building is still a private home. The society publishes a magazine and a journal and organises talks, workshops and events about Morris’s life, design work, writing and political ideas.

The museum is housed in the Coach House and lower rooms. Its permanent exhibition, “Practically Magic: William Morris at Home in Hammersmith”, was created for the society’s 70th anniversary. It explores Morris’s artistry, his family life with his wife Jane and daughters Jenny and May, and the creative community of friends and colleagues that gathered around him.

Visitors can see hand-drawn textile and wallpaper designs, printing blocks and fabric samples, rare works from the private press movement, Socialist League material and personal objects. The Library and the Print Room, which holds Morris’s Albion printing press, are also used for events.

Highlights

• Permanent exhibition “Practically Magic: William Morris at Home in Hammersmith”
• Original designs, printing blocks and fabric samples by Morris & Co.
• Morris’s Albion printing press in the Print Room
• Coach House where Morris held Socialist League meetings
• Thames-side setting and Arts and Crafts riverside walk

Permanent exhibition

• Practically Magic: William Morris at Home in Hammersmith – The permanent exhibition shows Morris’s designs, printing blocks and personal objects and explains his family life, his politics and the creative circle around his Hammersmith home.

Operated by

The William Morris Society (registered charity no. 1159382)

Admission & discounts

The museum is cashless and accepts card payments only.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The Coach House, the Garden Room and the accessible toilet can be reached by a ramp. Visitors with mobility needs are asked to contact the museum in advance. Disabled parking can be arranged with advance notice. The nearest Changing Places toilet is at the Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith. Guide dogs are permitted.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Ask at reception for the free Strawberry Thief activity trail for children. The society offers workshops for school groups.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on Upper Mall beside the River Thames.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Museum shop

There is no café on site, but several cafés and pubs are nearby in Hammersmith. The shop sells books and merchandise.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies: not available

The Coach House, Garden Room, walled garden, Library and Print Room can be hired for talks, receptions, workshops, dinners and corporate events. Facilities include wifi, a projector and screen, and step-free access to the Coach House. Intimate weddings are planned.

Plan your visit