The Morris Chair - The First Recliner By William Morris By Ariana Rodriguez

In 1800, William Morris was an influential English writer, a socialist reformer, an artist, a printer and designer. Morris hopes to revive weaving tapestries, works of art, along with the printing of books, furniture and other crafts. In 1861, he founded Morris & Co., composed of designers, architects and artists. This group created the first reclining Morris chair, and the name of the Morris chair, a popular theme that has continued until today.

He was born in Walthamstow, Essex on March 24, 1834. After graduating from Exeter College, Oxford, Morris originally intended to take the religious orders, but after reading Thomas Carlyle by social critics, Charles Kingsley and John Ruskin, to reconsider the membership of the Church and instead devoted his life art.

In the 1860's, Morris decided to focus on the decorative arts. His career began when designing scenery that the Red House in Bexleyheath, which was built for him by the architect, Phillip Web. The success of this venture led to the formation of Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. (later renamed Morris & Co.), where he created the furniture, carvings, fabrics, carpets, windows, and the background. The company was best known for its stained glass windows that can be found in the churches of Britain. Morris, the first President was not designed by William Morris, but was created by Morris & Co. around 1866. Was presented with ebonized oak Padded armrests and spindles that looked more like strings of pearls.

The design of a Morris has a president with a reclining rear seat armrest height, giving the appearance of a chair. Many modifications have been made to the original design, as the introduction to this day. While the first design that seemed to have more of a Victorian influence, is best known as the Arts & Crafts style. This is due to the revisions made by Gustav Stickley and updated later further popularized the design. Modern manufacturers made further changes eventually led to modern recliners, like those sold by LazyBoy.

William Morris entered national politics in 1876. His first charge was the treasurer of the Association of the East, and then asked the same position under the National League of Liberal and Radical Union. After becoming disappointed with the Liberals, Morris joined the Socialist Democratic Federation. However, after a disagreement with the leader, HM Hyndman, he formed the Socialist League and later the Hammersmith Socialist Society. He became an active propagandist for the socialist cause, giving hundreds of lectures and speeches throughout the country. After the socialist movement died down, his organization was approved by a group of anarchists and Morris officially retired in 1890.

Morris went on to produce better design and printing of the book, when he founded the Kelmscott Press in Hammersmith, London in 1891. From the selection of paper and ink to integration of the rates and the decorations on the page, their traditional methods of printing and craftsmanship has also been developed in line with the movement of arts and crafts. His Kelmscott House in Hammersmith was his last home. Morris died on October 3, 1896.

Until today, the ideas and work of William Morris are being preserved by Morris Companies in the UK, U.S. and Canada. Its influence is ubiquitous in homes around the world through the interiors and architecture. Many companies continue to sell arts style furniture. In addition, President Morris will always be the ancestor of the present noble recliner.

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