William Morris was the most prominent Victorian artist to embrace the new socialist movement of the 1880s. From 1883 to 1890, he continued to maintain Morris and Co., but devoted most of this period to the cause of socialism. He made strenuous propaganda tours; wrote socialist songs, poems, novels and a play; edited and wrote for the socialist newspaper Commonweal after 1885; and led, from 1885 to 1890, one of England’s two major socialist organisations, the Socialist League.

Morris’s Socialist Diary of 1887 is one of the most interesting writings from this period of his work. It is one of only two extended diaries of his activities which he kept in his life, each of which represents an effort to record and analyse experiences of a new phase of his work and thought. This new edition of the Diary has been edited by Florence Boos, academic and editor of Useful and Beautiful, the newsletter of the William Morris Society in the United States. She will be in conversation with Martin Stott, Chair of The William Morris Society, about Morris's Socialist Diary, and will sign copies of her book.

There will be refreshments during the event, which is free. Please register your attendance as spaces are limited.