Born in Walthamstow in east London, Morris was educated at Marlborough and Oxford. In 1856, he became an apprentice to Gothic revival architect G. E. Street. That same year he founded the Oxford and Cambridge Magazine, an outlet for his poetry and a forum for development of his theories of hand-craftsmanship in the decorative arts. In 1861, Morris founded a design firm in partnership with the artist Edward Burne-Jones, and the poet and artist Dante Gabriel Rossetti which had a profound impact on the decoration of churches and houses into the early 20th century. Morris's chief contribution was as a designer of repeating patterns for wallpapers and textiles, many based on a close observation of nature. He was also a major contributor to the resurgence of traditional textile arts and methods of production.

Morris wrote and published poetry, fiction, and translations of ancient and medieval texts throughout his life. His best-known works include The Defence of Guenevere and Other Poems (1858), The Earthly Paradise (1868"1870), A Dream of John Ball and the utopian News from Nowhere.

Scottsdale Art Factory carries on the American Arts And Crafts Movement of the 21st century, in the same way William Morris and John Ruskin (founders of the Arts and Crafts furniture movement in circa 1800 England) inspired Gustave Stickley (founder of the American Arts and Crafts movement) in America circa 1900. Frank Loyd Wright, Charles and Henry Greene (inspired architects of the ultimate cottages such as the Gamble House in Pasadena California) are credited with raising quality standard to its highest level in their day. All of these great master craftsman also inspired the Marabella Brothers in the early 20th Century (founders of SAF circa 1913).

Many of these architects and designers are as well known as Leonardo da Vinci (renaissance architecture) or Michelangelo,s (baroque architecture) as well as more recently William Morris, John Ruskin (founders of the Arts and Crafts furniture movement in circa 1800 England) Gustave Stickley (founder of the American Arts and Crafts movement in America circa 1900.) Frank Loyd Wright, Charles and Henry Greene to name a few.

All creative people are dependent upon the groundwork laid down by those who came before them. H. J. Nick, artist and direct descendant of the Marbella brothers, and Scottsdale Art Factory have built on these foundations and have raised the bar of quality even higher. Thus setting a new standard and offering the finest one of a kind handmade furnishings found anywhere in the world in the 21st century.

All 21st Century Designs Are Also Built By Our Master Craftsman Using These Classic Traditional Methods.

As Shown: Lodge Style Hand Carved Wilderness Theme Sofa - Light To Medium Distress - 84"L X 38"D X 38"T. Featuring a custom, hand-carved wilderness back panel, this sofa is built from solid, 100% natural cedar. Pegged and doweled for durability and completely finished with five coats of hand-rubbed lacquer, it offers unmatched style and longevity. The log frame is 5" round with a 3" thick back panel, and is topped with a carved branch design. The cushions can be made to order in your choice of materials, ranging from the finest quality leathers and hides to the most luxurious fabrics and fillings. The wood finish is also available in a wide assortment of colors and stains.

As Shown: Lodge Style, Hand Carved Wilderness Theme Arm Chair, Color: Natural Semi Gloss - 38"W X 38"D X 38"T. As an individual piece or in a set, this custom carved arm chair perfectly compliments any wilderness decor. Combining natural wood construction with our artisans finely detailed craftsmanship, these chairs are both stylish and comfortable. Pegged and doweled, 100% natural cedar with a hand rubbed lacquer finish, they achieve heirloom quality. The main frames are 5" round with 3" thick back panel that are hand carved with heavily detailed wilderness scenes and are topped with a hand carved branch designs. Cushions are available with your choice of upholstered fabrics or leather and included mar proof leveling feet.

Details As Shown: This custom furnishing has been hand hewn by draw knife to shape from natural air dried exotic cedar solid timber. All carving designs are a solid part of the main structure (no glued up or add on design pieces or veneers). Design carvings appear on all sides of our furnishings allowing them to be used in the middle of a room as well as against a wall. All surfaces including the backs are finished and made of solid wood.

All Sofas Include Tedlar Suspension that will never become weak from repeatedly sitting in the same spot.

Finish Details As Shown: Color: Natural Semi Gloss - Peeled Log Apperance Our final finish processes includes five to ten coats of hand rubbed furniture quality clear oils or water based non-toxic lacquers. It is applied, cured, rubbed and re-applied depending upon whether your order is limited edition or old growth original works. Every surface of this furnishing is finely finished including the undersides and hidden areas. These furnishings are built to investment family heirloom quality and are finished to be virtually maintenance free and will stand the test of time. You may choose the natural color, from over 400 standard stain colors or we will computer color match to any color stain you may desire. Most of our finishes are water based and earth friendly. You may order any single stain color or texture finish at no extra charge. If raised grain finish is desired, the wire brushed raised grain of the natural cedar is designed to appear rustic and aged, however this is a highly finished, snag and splinter free surface.