The Hidden Legacy of May Morris

The Hidden Legacy of May Morris

On the second floor of the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum is Jane Addams’ bedroom. Many elements of the space have been fashioned to invoke how it may have looked when Ms. Addams was still alive. Several original furniture pieces reside in the room, but perhaps what stands out the most is the striking design on the walls. For many decades, it was believed that the design had been created by William Morris, a renowned textile artist, writer, and Socialist activist. In recent years, it has been discovered that many designs attributed to him were actually created by his daughter, May Morris.

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Who was Ellen Gates Starr?

Who was Ellen Gates Starr?

Ellen Gates Starr co-founded Hull-House with Jane Addams in 1889. She was influenced by her father, Caleb Starr, an abolitionist, supporter of collective farming, and an advocate for women's rights. Starr met Addams at Rockford Female Seminary. Due to her family’s lack of finances, Starr could not stay to complete her degree, but eagerly partnered with Addams to establish a settlement house in Chicago. Despite differences in background and temperament, Starr and Addams were lifelong friends, sharing a desire to find meaningful work.

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