WILLIAM MORRIS (Upper Key Stage 2)

Teaching Pack

5 Lesson Presentation Slides
Knowledge Organiser
Medium Term Planning
Teaching resources
Additional Presentation: Elements of Art
Additional Presentation: Using Sketchbooks
Additional Presentation: 5 Minute Drawing
Additional Presentation: Art Museum
Additional Presentation: William Morris Museum

Unit Overview

Sequence of Learning for Teachers

In this unit of work children take a journey into printmaking by studying the art and designs of William Morris. Children have the opportunity to develop their observational drawing skills and to add colour to designs using watercolour paints. Children consolidate their understanding of pattern by isolating and drawing motifs from William Morris designs. They apply their knowledge of pattern motifs when creating printing blocks based on the designs of William Morris. Using these print blocks, children create repeating patterns using block printing techniques and overlaying prints to create complex wallpaper patterns.

This knowledge, skills and understanding is delivered through the following convergent task sessions:

Session 1: William Morris and his Designs

Session 2: Pattern Motifs

Session 3: Designing Print Blocks

Session 4: Block Printmaking

Creative Outcome (Divergent task) – Handprinted Wallpaper

The unit of work completes with the creative outcome (divergent task) activity that can be delivered over two or more sessions. These sessions can also be used for children to complete activities from sessions 1-4. For the creative outcome children work collaboratively to create hand-printed wallpaper and provides them with opportunities to experiment with different repeating patterns, rotations and offsetting the blocks. They are introduced to overlapping and overprinting using print blocks to create a more intricate design. The creative outcome activity provides an opportunity for children to apply their knowledge, skills and understanding from previous sessions in this unit of work. Through the creative outcome children will develop their creativity and understanding of the creative process by combining their imagination with the knowledge they have acquired.

Learning Sequence

Session 1

In this session children are introduced to the artist and designer William Morris and the development of the Arts & Crafts movement in the Victorian Era. Children are introduced to one of William Morris’ iconic designs – The Strawberry Thief. A series of slides guides the children through investigating key features of this design using the elements of art. In their sketchbooks children copy the design in pencil, create the palette of colours used in the design before painting their design.

Session 2

In this session children are taught how a repeated printed pattern is composed of individual repeated motifs. This is followed by workshop activities where children work in their sketchbooks to

- Isolate and draw individual motifs found in William Morris Wallpaper

- Practise and develop their observational drawing techniques

- Children use their creativity to continue a William Morris design (shown right)

Session 3

In this session children extend their understanding of printmaking techniques by learning how to design and make a block print based on the designs of William Morris. Slides provide knowledge about the technique of relief printing followed by step-by-step guidance to create a relief printing block. Children create the block and make a print in their sketchbooks. They learn how artists who create art using printmaking techniques make a limited number of prints which are numbered and signed by the artist in pencil.

Session 4

In this session children use the printing blocks from session 3 to develop their printmaking skills by creating a range of patterns using their printing block. Children experiment with making different print patterns using their print block allowing them to consolidate their skills in using ink rollers when block printing.

Creative Outcome

For the creative outcome children work collaboratively to create hand-printed William Morris-inspired wallpaper. Children demonstrate their increasing confidence in relief printing by creating repeating pattern designs. Children experiment with repeating patterns, rotational patterns, and by overprinting one print over another and by changing the colour of the print.

ART ACADEMY