This new exhibition brings together two distinct yet deeply connected strands of contemporary practice – painting and stained glass – united by the enduring legacy of William Morris. Working in the spirit of the Arts and Crafts movement he helped to define, the artists, Rosalinda Kightley and The British Society of Master Glass Painters draw on Morris’s guiding principles: a reverence for nature, a commitment to beauty, and a belief in the transformative power of skilled craftsmanship.
Presented to coincide with The Art of Wallpaper: Morris & Co. in our historic galleries, this exhibition offers a contemporary counterpoint to Morris’s original designs, exploring how his ideas continue to inspire artists today.
Rosalinda Kightley will present around 35 paintings in her signature vibrant style. Celebrated for her joyful depictions of flowers and still life – with the occasional bird bringing an added sense of movement – her work hums with colour and vitality. Rooted in close observation of the natural world, her paintings offer a fresh, contemporary response to the ideas of William Morris, capturing the energy and abundance of nature that so inspired him.
Alongside original paintings, the exhibition will include a selection of prints, with works available in a range of sizes and price points.
Rosalinda was named SAOS Artist of the Year in 2024. As part of her award, she was given a solo exhibition at New Ashgate Gallery, which continues to represent her work. Her floral giclée prints are also available at RHS Garden Wisley. She lives and works in Guildford.
William Morris famously described the two great passions of his life as the desire to create beautiful things and a “hatred of modern civilisation”. While he is widely celebrated for his designs, he was also a writer and poet, deeply inspired by the Icelandic Sagas and committed to radical social and political change. His concerns – from environmental stewardship and community activism to the value of handcraft in an increasingly mechanised world – remain strikingly relevant today.
In response to these enduring themes, members of the British Society of Master Glass Painters have created a series of vibrant stained glass panels that explore Morris’s ideas through the luminous language of glass. Bold, thoughtful and richly coloured, the works reflect both his artistic legacy and his progressive spirit.
The exhibition first opened in Stourbridge in August 2024 and has since toured – evolving along the way – to Ely, Rochdale and Ripon. This presentation marks its only visit to the South of England.
All works are available for sale and are displayed within a specially commissioned, purpose-built unit sponsored by Sanderson. With integrated lighting, the structure allows the panels to glow at the heart of the gallery space.
Founded in 1921, the British Society of Master Glass Painters remains the UK’s leading organisation dedicated to the art and craft of stained glass. Its members include historians, researchers, conservators, students and many of today’s foremost contemporary glass artists.
21 May 2026 - 10 January 2027Discover more than 45 original works from the archives of Morris & Co.