Kate Faulkner: Wallpaper and Fabric Designer Steps 2026

Kate Faulkner, a pioneering wallpaper and fabric designer for Morris & Co, is finally emerging from the shadow of William Morris thanks to a new exhibition at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge. For over a century, Faulkner has been a mere footnote in Morris's story, her work often mistaken for his. Now, A Call to Art: William Morris and the pre-Raphaelites aims to restore her rightful place in art history.

The exhibition is the first to celebrate Faulkner as a designer, maker, and workshop supervisor at Morris & Co. It brings together her textile designs, wallpaper patterns, and a monumental altarpiece that has never been publicly displayed before.

Who Was Kate Faulkner?

Kate Faulkner was the first person after Morris to design wallpapers and fabrics for Morris & Co, and one of only four designers he ever trusted with such work. In the 1870s and 1880s, she created several patterns under her own name that are still sold today.

Her contributions went beyond design: she also served as a workshop supervisor, overseeing production and ensuring the quality that made Morris & Co a household name. Despite this, her role was largely overlooked by history.

The Exhibition: A Call to Art

At the Fitzwilliam Museum, A Call to Art showcases Faulkner's work alongside that of her contemporaries. The centerpiece is a 6.3-metre-wide oak and silvered-gesso altarpiece, commissioned from Morris & Co in 1886, which Faulkner was instrumental in creating.

Highlights include her tile depicting Penelope, based on a design by Edward Burne-Jones, and painted ceramics such as decorative plates sold in the Morris & Co shop. These pieces demonstrate her versatility and skill across different media.

Why Faulkner's Work Matters

Faulkner's designs helped define the Arts and Crafts aesthetic, blending nature-inspired motifs with meticulous craftsmanship. Her wallpapers and fabrics brought beauty into Victorian homes and continue to influence interior design today.

Recognizing her contribution is not just about correcting the historical record; it's about understanding the collaborative nature of the Arts and Crafts movement. Faulkner was not simply working in Morris's shadow—she was a key artist in her own right.

Key Takeaways from the Exhibition

• Kate Faulkner was the first designer after Morris to create wallpapers and fabrics for Morris & Co.
• She was one of only four designers Morris trusted to design for the company.
• Her patterns from the 1870s and 1880s are still sold today.
• The exhibition features the first public display of a monumental altarpiece she worked on.
• Faulkner also designed tiles and ceramics, showcasing her versatility.

Faulkner's Designs vs. Morris's: A Comparison

While Morris's name is synonymous with the movement, Faulkner's designs were integral to the company's success. Her ability to work across media—from wallpaper to gesso—set her apart.

What to Watch Next

As museums continue to re-examine the contributions of women in art history, Faulkner's story is likely to inspire further research and exhibitions. The Fitzwilliam's show is a significant step toward giving her the recognition she deserves.

For those interested in the evolution of textile and wallpaper design, Faulkner's work offers a fascinating glimpse into the collaborative genius of Morris & Co. Her patterns remain available today, a testament to their enduring appeal.

If you're inspired by Faulkner's story, you might also enjoy exploring the life of Hermione Carline, another artist who left her mark on textile design. Carline's obituary highlights a similarly influential career that bridged art and design.

For renters looking to bring a touch of Arts and Crafts style into their homes, consider the best peel-and-stick wallpaper options for every budget. These removable wallpapers offer a modern way to enjoy patterns inspired by Faulkner and her contemporaries.

Faulkner's legacy also resonates in contemporary design events. At Milan Design Week, for instance, the Ca' Granda exhibition showcased how art can be multiplied and shared, echoing the collaborative spirit of Morris & Co.

In the realm of gaming, the Designers Republic's work for Aphex Twin and gaming demonstrates how graphic design can shape identities, much like Faulkner's patterns did for Victorian homes. Their 40 years of iconic art for Aphex Twin shows the lasting impact of a distinct visual language.

Finally, for a design-focused getaway, consider Eindhoven, a relaxed arty break in the Dutch design city, where contemporary design thrives alongside historical inspiration. The background to this story is set out in Kate Faulkner: Wallpaper and Fabric Designer Steps.