New Exhibition Focuses on the Women of the Arts and Craft Movement

'Making Her Mark' is being held at Emery Walker's House

Bust of May Morris by Jo Davidson in bedroom of Emery Walker's House. Picture: Lucinda MacPherson

May 19, 2025

A new exhibition launching in June at Emery Walker’s House is to focus on the role of women in the development of the Arts and Crafts Movement.

This movement emerged in the late 19th century as a reaction to the dehumanising effects of industrialisation with a call to return to the values of craftsmanship, beauty, and integrity in design.

It was a radical movement in its time, aiming to redefine not only art and architecture but also social structure. Thus far its story has largely been told through the lives and works of its male pioneers particularly, William Morris. This exhibition focuses on the lesser-known women who made contributions artistically, and who also worked to claim professional status in a cultural world that often excluded them.

Most notable is William’s daughter, May Morris, whose work in embroidery, pattern and jewellery design contributed to the success of Morris & Co. Louise Powell and Phoebe Stabler combined commercial success with artistic ambition, producing widely exhibited ceramic works in partnership with major companies. Katharine Adams and Ethel Sandell, meanwhile, made their names in the worlds of bookbinding and manuscript illumination, collaborating with leading printers and collectors of their day. Mary Sloane, a painter and printmaker, exhibited internationally and helped push the boundaries of etching as an expressive medium.

What links these artists is their membership of the Women’s Guild of Arts, founded in 1907 as a direct response to the exclusion of women from the male-dominated Art Workers’ Guild. The Guild aim to offer more than just a platform and created a supportive community, with lectures, exhibitions, and studio visits. The documents preserved in its archives suggest an active and highly organised body, with rigorous membership standards and a clear sense of purpose.

Personal connections also shaped the careers of these women. In some cases—such as May Morris, Powell, and Stabler—family collaboration was key. In others, friendships provided vital networks of support, whether through sharing studio space, exhibiting together, or offering mentorship.

Silk cushion designed by May Morris and embroidered by Dorothy Walker. Picture: Lucinda MacPherson

Many of the works in this exhibition entered the collection at Emery Walker’s House not via official channels, but as personal gifts—tokens of friendship for Emery and Dorothy Walker.

In the exhibition, each woman is described using the name and title by which she was identified in the records of the Women’s Guild of Arts. The term "women art workers" is used throughout to avoid drawing false distinctions between fine and applied art.

Beginning on 5 June and running until 29 November, you can access ‘Making Her Mark’ at Hammersmith Terrace by pre-booking a guided tour on Thursdays and Saturdays.