Saskatchewan Arts Board

William Morris defended the importance of the handmade object in the face of the industrial revolution, the necessity to embed beauty into functional objects, the imperative to strive for quality, and the dignity of honest labour.

"The English Arts and Craft movement has inspired many of Saskatchewan’s great professional craft artists. At the Saskatchewan Craft Council (SCC), we feel William Morris’s message is even more accurate and important today,” said Leslie Potter, SCC Exhibitions & Education Coordinator. “That is why we are presenting this historic speech once again.”

The Decorative Arts: Their Relation to Modern Life and Practice was first delivered by Morris at the Trades Guild of Learning in 1877. 135 years later the Saskatoon re-enactment of this speech is made possible by actor Kent Allen.

“William Morris was one of the great thinkers of the 19^th Century,” says Allen. “He spoke with a magisterial poetry that is very unlike the language that we use today. It’s a challenge to deliver this speech in the way Morris would have. It will be a treat for the audience to hear ideas expressed in this way.”

William Morris—British artist, wallpaper designer, author, publisher and architectural preservationist will speak at 7:00 pm.

The William Morris speech is being presented by the Saskatchewan Craft Council with the generous assistance of Winston’s English Pub & Grill and the Drama Department at the University of Saskatchewan.

Admission is free and open to all members of the public.