Looking to the past – historical ornament in the works of May Morris

May Morris was not only a pioneer of decorative needlework but also an expert on the history of her craft. In this talk Dr Lynn Hulse explores May’s writings on embroidered textiles produced in England during the 13th to the 17th centuries, and examines the impact these early works had on her creative practice as a designer and maker.

Dr Lynn Hulse is a textile scholar and practitioner specialising in embroidered furnishings of the Aesthetic and Arts and Crafts movements. She is the author of several publications on decorative needlework and editor of May Morris: Art & Life (2017). Her most recent book, May Morris Designs (2025), was published by the Ashmolean Museum. Former archivist at the Royal School of Needlework, Lynn now runs Ornamental Embroidery which delivers workshops, lectures and firsthand study sessions of objects in public and private collections.

National Museums Liverpool is delighted to welcome Dr Lynn Hulse for this special-guest talk.