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Headlines 5 DESIGN FOR ‘HONEYSUCKLE’ (© The William Morris Society) May Morris: Art & Advocacy Elmfield House, Dowell Street, Honiton, Devon EX14 1LX 01404 45006 | [email protected] | thelmahulbert.com Open: Tues – Sat 10am - 5pm | Free admission, donations welcome CAMP WHERE ARE WE NOW? 6 September – 25 October 2025 thelmahulbertgallery © Caroline Collingridge, Rare Lichens in Devon © John Elliot, Hermit © Octavia Madden, Within the Wild © Elizabeth Orcutt, Mat(t)er Refusae et Malagranati © Janet Sainsbury, Ghosts and Lilies © Vivienne Spencer, Green jugs An exhibition exploring the remarkable life and work of artist, embroiderer and socialist, May Morris, daughter of Arts and Crafts designer William Morris, has come to Bournemouth. On loan from The William Morris Society this body of work features original designs for Morris & Co., wallpapers and embroidery. An extraordinary woman in any era, May was not only a talented craftswoman but also an advocate for women in the artistic community. May wrote towards the end of her life: “I’m a remarkable woman, always was, though none of you seemed to think so.” Her astonishing accomplishments were largely forgotten until the end of the twentieth century, when public interest was renewed. Much like her father, May was talented in many artistic fi elds, she became Head of Embroidery at the decorative arts fi rm of Morris & Co. aged just twenty-three, whilst also designing their wallpapers. She excelled in fi ne needlework, producing designs, teaching courses, lecturing, and writing on the subject. She co-founded the Women’s Guild of Arts in 1907 to enable female artists and makers to fully engage with and participate in artistic culture. Before this, female artists had been restricted by a lack of arts and crafts organisations extending their membership to women. The Women’s Guild of Arts enabled members to discuss, develop and exhibit their work. May worked tirelessly on maintaining her father’s legacy and greatly contributed to the literature on William Morris, including editing the 24 volumes of her father’s collected works. “May Morris’ story is one of incredible talent and unwavering determination, and it’s a privilege to share her remarkable yet overlooked work and pioneering support for female creatives,” says Sarah Newman, Manager at the Russell-Cotes Museum. The exhibition is just a small part of the fantastic collection of artwork on display at the gallery. As well as plenty of children’s activities to ensure engagement from all ages, plus the most stunning toilets in town! Suzy Rushbrook Until 5 October: Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, East Cliff, BOURNEMOUTH, BH1 3AA. Tuesday - Sunday 10am – 5pm. £9.50 / £5. 01202 128000 / russellcotes.com . Installation photographs by Eliza Naden

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