Liberty Equality Fraternity Tea Towel

Liberty, equality, fraternity – sound familiar? (If not, try it in a French accent…) Well, here’s a visually exciting take on a well-known tripartite! William Morris created this design for the membership card of the Social Democratic Federation (Britain’s first socialist political party), in a perfect marriage of his two passions: art and activism. A British artist, poet, novelist, and ardent socialist, Morris is best known as the 19th century's most celebrated textile designer, responsible for the some of the most recognizable textile patterns from the century.

He was a radical in both his art and politics, refusing to follow the consensus. Disillusioned by the Victorian era's focus on dehumanizing industrial systems that produced poor-quality, 'unnatural' objects, Morris championed a principle of handmade production, establishing the British Arts and Crafts Movement. Aware of the deep divisions in contemporary society, he declared himself a socialist, and in 1884 he helped set up a new group called the Socialist League, making frequent street-corner speeches and using his fame and artwork to further these objectives. So, go on ­– add to basket. What better way to become a card-carrying socialist in your own kitchen?

Details

• Half Panama unbleached cotton
• Stitched on all four sides
• Includes hanging loop
• Measures approximately 19in x 27.5in. 

Think these are too nice to use? 

• You can wave a tea towel at a demonstration
• Tea towels can be used to cover warm muffins
• Hang one on the wall in your living room
• Send someone a message on a tea towel