Adjustable Back Chair

William Morris is probably the best-known figure in 19th-century English design. His influence rests not just on his designs but also on the output of his firm, Morris & Co. The company was a forum for some of the leading progressive artists, architects, and designers of the day.

The designer of this chair, Philip Webb, was trained as an architect but specialized in furniture design. Popular from the moment it was introduced, the chair was both innovative and comfortable. It has become the basis for adjustable armchairs that are still made today. Ironically, although designed by Webb, it is has always been more popularly known as a “Morris chair” because of its association with Morris & Co.