A selection of resources for teachers and for learning at home, developed as part of William Morris Gallery’s learning programme.
Teacher's resources
These resources are for both primary and secondary educators to support whole class learning either on a Gallery visit or back in the classroom. Scroll down to see the full range of themes on offer including teachers’ information from our temporary exhibition programmes.
Activity sheets help students explore work in the Gallery or they can be used with online images which you can find in explore the collection. Teachers Notes provide answers for the Activity Sheets with additional discussion points. Topic Notes are more detailed illustrated explorations of the theme as background information for teachers or for older students wanting to do individual research.
Inspiration from Nature (Key Stage 2)
William Morris is chiefly known as a great designer of patterns derived from natural forms. Wild and garden flowers, inter-twining leaves, birds and animals all feature in his wallpapers, textiles, carpets and ceramics.
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Investigating Pattern (Key Stage 2)
William Morris is famous as a great designer of flat patterns. He disliked the over-elaborate designs of wallpaper, textiles and furnishings popular with mid-19th century Victorian taste. He wanted to produce simpler, natural designs that would suit the purpose and material they were designed for.
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Running a Design Business (Key Stage 3-4)
William Morris had a great flair for business and marketing. Morris & Co became one of the most successful design brands in the late Victorian period.
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Exploring Techniques and Materials: Block Printing (Key Stage 3-4)
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Working with Pattern (Key Stage 2)
A richly illustrated Teachers’ Resource Pack featuring a classroom scheme of work inspired by William Morris. Developed by textile artist Sba Shaikh. Part 1 contains five lesson plans with cross-curricula links and photocopiable classroom resources. Part 2 contains a classroom Powerpoint presentation to accompany the lesson plans.
This Scheme of Work covers units from Maths, ICT, Art & Design and English from the current National Curriculum. Links to these are outlined on the contents page of Part 1.
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Playing with Pattern website
Explore and play with interactive Morris & Co patterns and learn how art and maths work together. Teachers can download unique learning resources for use in Maths and Art lessons.
Creative Careers Toolkit: An Applied Active Learning Programme
The Creative Careers Toolkit is an active, applied learning programme developed for Careers Leads by the Waltham Forest Cultural Education Partnership.
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Learning at home
If you’ve been to William Morris Gallery and are interested in learning more, or if you are looking for creative ways to teach and learn from home, there are a number of exciting resources available. Download from the selection below.
Family Day: Tiger, Tiger
Inspired by Christopher Whall’s stunning stained glass window, Adam Naming the Animals (c.1880). This is your chance to make your own tiger-themed stained glass window. There are two ways to make it – with coloured tissue paper or baking paper that you colour in yourself.
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National Storytelling Week - Family Day: Cinderella
Use the tiles to create your own play, pantomime or story – or use our script – and make your own crown to use as a prop. Activity devised by Scribble and Smudge.
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Family Day: Working Out Drawings
Activities were inspired by our exhibition Works In Progress.
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Family Day: Spirit of Holi
An easy marbling activity inspired by the festival of Holi and the arrival of spring.
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Creative Kids: Say It With Flowers
Make a colourful paper cup flower inspired by Morris’ floral patterns. Ideal for under 5s.
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Creative Kids: Easter Bunny Bonnet
Take inspiration from William Morris’ Brother Rabbit pattern and make this charming bunny-ear bonnet. Ideal for under 5s.
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Family Activity: Make Your Own Mini Garden
Make your own mini garden inspired by William Morris’ love of nature.
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Creative Kids: Make Your Own Cymbal
Inspired by one of Morris’ stunning stained glass windows, we’ve shown you how to make your own cymbal at home.
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Family Activity: Nature Suncatcher
Inspired by Morris & Co’s stunning stained glass, we’ve shown you how to make a beautiful suncatcher.
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