Elaborate vines, leaves and buds symbolize growth and continuous life in William Morris’ exquisite “Tree of Life” tapestry. Disgruntled by the drabness of mid-19th century mass-produced tapestries, Morris (1834 – 1896) obtained a loom and taught himself to weave, eventually establishing Morris & Company, a design firm which produced textiles, stained glass and high quality tapestries. With Morris & Company, he rejuvenated tapestry-making as a distinctive and dynamic art form, creating as many as 150 richly detailed patterns.