William Morris never-seen-before designs launch in The Unfinished Works collection

Morris & Co., the heritage design house founded by William Morris in 1861, has revealed a new chapter in its story: The Unfinished Works.

Created in collaboration with The Huntington in California, this exciting collection brings to life a series of  never-seen-before designs rediscovered in the institution’s archives. Using original sketches and documents from Morris and John Henry Dearle, the Morris & Co. studio has reinterpreted and completed these historic patterns, translating them into wallpapers, borders, fabrics, weaves, and embroideries for today’s interiors.

Rediscovering hidden treasures
Among The Huntington’s library of documents lay incomplete works that, until now, had never been realised. With meticulous care, the Morris & Co. team revisited these fragments, reworking them by hand to create 26 new designs that honour the originals while introducing fresh energy. Every piece has been repainted in the London studio, respecting the spirit of Morris and Dearle while adding the perspective of a modern creative team.

Colour, craft and continuity
The collection’s palette draws directly from richly pigmented hues found in historic logbooks, ensuring authenticity in every shade. Wallpapers echo the distinctive style of William Morris and Dearle, borders return to the Morris & Co. portfolio for the first time in years, and delicate embroideries showcase intricate, handcrafted finishes.

As Lead Designer Jess Clayworth explains: ‘This is a collection like no other, a unique chapter in the Morris & Co. story. We’ve asked ourselves not what we should do, but what we can do to preserve, refine, and complete these exquisite pieces of archival art. We hope Morris and Dearle would be proud that we’ve followed the design trail they set out, bringing these designs to life as a creative team spread over the centuries.’

A living legacy
Produced in the brand’s historic UK factories in Loughborough and Lancaster, and crafted in the Chiswick studio, The Unfinished Works pays tribute to Morris’s 164-year legacy while offering something new for future generations. More than a collection, this series represents a creative dialogue across time — proof that the artistry of William Morris remains as relevant and inspiring today as it was in the 19th century.