About William Morris Wombat Trail

21 May 2026 - 10 January 2027

Discover art in a playful way with a Wombat Trail inspired by our new exhibition The Art of Wallpaper: Morris & Co.

Hunt for wombats in the exhibition space and at Limnerslease. Follow hidden clues to spot all the wombats along the way - keep your eyes peeled, these playful marsupials could be hiding anywhere! Once you’ve discovered every colourful creature collect your stamp in the Visitor Centre to complete the trail.

Along the way children will find out more about William Morris and his famous artist friends, including Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Edward Burne-Jones. These artists were connected to the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, a group that shared a love of nature, storytelling, and beautiful patterns.

But did you know they also loved wombats?

During the 1800s, Rossetti and his friends often joked about wombats. They drew funny wombat cartoons and even used them in playful pictures of their friends. One wombat was called “Topsy”, a nickname for William Morris, named after his wild red hair. While painting murals at the Oxford Union Library, the artists even sketched wombats in the walls before covering them with paintings.

As you explore the gallery, look out for hidden wombats and discover clues about the artists and their work. Along the way you will also learn amazing facts about real wombats.

Trail highlights:

  • Search for hidden wombats across the gallery buildings
  • Discover fun facts about William Morris and his artist friends
  • Learn about the strange and wonderful world of wombats
  • Enjoy a playful way to explore art together as a family

Pick up a copy of the trail at the Visitor Centre or Canvas Room.

Other activities to enjoy this spring

  1. Event

    Prior's Field School Creative Arts Exhibition

  2. A set up on the floor in the historic galleries of a rug, candles and lights
    Event

    Soundbath in the Historic Galleries

  3. Coming Soon
    Event

    Masterclass with Rich Miller