18th June 2014
These are pictures of the medieval centre of Gent, (or Ghent is it was known then).
In 1859, William Morris and his wife, Jane, took a six week honeymoon touring Belgium, France, Germany and Switzerland. Belgium had maintained strong trading ties with Britain for centuries, but by the Victorian era the growth in the textile trades of both countries had led to closer and ever-more important links.
William Morris had a particular interest in the Flemish Art and Old Masters and in the medieval history of Flanders itself. Whilst in Belgium, Jane and William Morris visited Gent (Ghent), Bruges, Antwerp and Brussels.
The studies of Flemish Art and History that William Morris made at this time was very important and continued to inform his work for the rest of his life.
Posted in William Morris by Laura