WALTHAMSTOW’S William Morris Gallery is hosting an exhibition of work by the man after whom the venue is named.

Calligraphic Masterpieces explores Morris’ achievements in calligraphy and manuscript illumination.

Working in the traditions of the medieval scribe, Morris reproduced texts that held a special significance for him, including the Icelandic sagas, the Odes of Horace, the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, and also his own poetry.

Presented as gifts to his closest friends, his calligraphic books showed how Morris absorbed the traditions of the past but developed his own unique style of writing. His talent for design and pattern-making was also put to use in creating illustrated borders and initials.

Morris was not alone in spending his leisure hours experimenting with the quill. The 1860s/70s witnessed a general craze for calligraphy and illuminating as a pastime.

Calligraphic Masterpieces runs until August 22 at the William Morris Gallery, Lloyd Park, Forest Road, Walthamstow. Details: 020 8496 4390, www.walthamforest.gov.uk/william-morris