William Morris House Booklet Available at Local Libraries
Guide to radical history of Wimbledon was published to mark centenary
Arthur Henderson (left) and a painting of William Morris House
January 16, 2023
The 56-page illustrated William Morris House Centenary Booklet has been made available at libraries in Merton.
The guide to an important part of Wimbledon’s history, written by former Councillor Peter Walker, outlines the centenary of William Morris House 1922-2022.
The booklet describes in detail the centenary since the house was opened in 1922 by the Rt Hon Arthur Henderson MP.
It also covers the less known radical history of Wimbledon that led to the acquisition and opening of William Morris House. It also includes details of the Wimbledon suffragettes, and the local political and artistic legacy left by William Morris and his company, based at Merton Abbey, Morris & Co.
The booklet includes a recently discovered copy of the document which launched an appeal for funds to purchase the building and outlines the three key figures who shaped Labour and Socialist history in Wimbledon.
William Morris, the world famous designer, was the founder of the Merton Abbey Branch of the Socialist League, and owner of his company based in Merton Abbey South Wimbledon, whose employees were instrumental in founding William Morris House.
Rose Lamartine Yates , leader of Wimbledon Suffragettes, assisted in raising funds for the acquisition of the House.
Tom Braddock MP, a key figure in setting up the house, who joined the Wimbledon Socialist Society in 1905 and was a local activist in the Labour movement into his eighties when he stood as Labour candidate in the General Election of 1966.
See the website for future events at William Morris House: www.williammorrishouse.org.uk
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