Preface

　　“An Encounter with Beauty-William Morris and the British Arts and Crafts Movement”Exhibition is presented by World Expo Museum in collaboration with the Victoria and Albert Museum in the UK. This exhibition features 123 selected pieces from the V&A s collection and showcases the British Arts and Crafts Movement led by William Morris from 1890 to 1920. William Morris (1834-1896) was a renowned designer, poet, craftsman, and socialist activist in 19th- century Britain. Born into a wealthy family, he studied theology at Oxford University in his early life. Later, inspired by medieval art and literature, he devoted himself to the field of art and design. The style of his works was natural, elegant, and simple, with a rich medieval and pastoral flavor. In terms of design theory, Morris emphasised the combination of practicality and aesthetics and focused on the natural texture of materials and handicraft skills. His representative works include the commissioning and overseeing the furnishing and decoration of the "Red House", which became a landmark achievement of the Arts and Crafts Movement. His influence was felt well beyond his craftwork. His ideas and practices laid the foundation for later design movements, and he is still considered as the "Father of Modern Design" to this day.