Join us at Morley Gallery for a special illustrated talk by artist and master weaver William Jefferies, exploring the fascinating history and function of tapestry in architecture and interiors. Jefferies will examine how tapestry has long been used to project status or antiquity, evoke domestic warmth, communicate corporate or moral symbolism, impart religious or moral teachings—or even create dramatic atmosphere in boardrooms and foyers.
This lecture runs alongside “A Life in Tapestry,” the first retrospective exhibition of Jefferies’ woven work, on show at Morley Gallery from 20 January to 7 February 2026. The exhibition offers a unique insight into over five decades of Jefferies’ creative evolution: his distinctive visual language, his virtuosic exploration of material and woven surface, and many seldom-shown pieces.
As with all Penny Lectures, the event is free and open to all — a continuation of Morley College London’s long tradition of making art, craft and learning accessible to the community.
Whether you come as a curious member of the public, a student of textiles, or a lover of architecture and design — this lecture promises to deepen your appreciation of tapestry not just as decoration, but as a powerful medium for storytelling, ambience and identity.
Biography – William Jefferies
A master tapestry weaver with a distinctive and virtuosic visual language, William Jefferies discovered tapestry at the Edinburgh School of Art, where he immersed himself in the lively experimental scene centred around Archie Brennan, studying also with Maureen Hodge and Fiona Mathison. He spent five years there, then eight months working at the Dovecot tapestry studio before moving on to an MA at the Royal College of Art.
His work became more widely known and in the 1980s and 90s was regularly part of exhibitions of contemporary British Tapestry staged by the Crafts Council and others. He was awarded some important commercial commissions, including a series for the Pearl Assurance headquarters in Peterborough.
His work became more widely known and in the 1980s and 90s was regularly part of exhibitions of contemporary British Tapestry staged by the Crafts Council and others. He was awarded some important commercial commissions, including a series for the Pearl Assurance headquarters in Peterborough.
A dedicated teacher, William led the Morley College Tapestry course for 18 years until retirement in 2020, and he continues to run regular workshops at his studio in Kew. In the past quarter century he has enriched the lives and inspired the creative work of a host students at both venues.
William’s work is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Crafts Council, the Scottish Craft Collection, and many private UK and international collections. It has been exhibited all over the country, from Edinburgh to London. The Morley exhibition ‘A Life in Tapestry’ will be the most comprehensive display of his work to date, and our first chance to see a lifetime of weaving in one place.
