AN installation artist given behind-the-scenes access to a collection of one of the the country's best-known designers has come up with a new take on the work of William Morris.

David Mabb worked with the Whitworth Gallery's extensive permanent collection of Morris textiles, wallpapers, drawings and designs to create an exciting installation which blurs the boundaries between a historical museum display and a contemporary art show.

A spokeswoman for the gallery said Mabb's work work appropriates that of other artists and creates contemporary work based on it.

She said: 'His recent work has explored the life and work of William Morris, but his interest in the designer extends beyond Morris's pattern-making.

'Mabb is fascinated by the political beliefs of a man who made his living creating luxury goods for the upper middle classes while campaigning for the liberation of the common man.'

The exhibition is supported by the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, Arthur
Sanderson & Sons, The Oliver Ford Charitable Trust, Arts and Humanities Research Board (AHRB) and Arts Council England. A catalogue documenting the installation, with essays on William Morris will be available in late June at The Whitworth Art Gallery shop.

William Morris: Ministering to the Swinish Luxury of the Rich - An Exhibition by David Mabb is at the Whitworth Gallery until December 23.

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