Detail of Art Needlework embroidery "Artichoke" in wool on linen
Detail of Art Needlework embroidery "Artichoke" in wool on linen
Credit: Design: William Morris

Art needlework was a type of surface embroidery popular in the later nineteenth century under the influence of the Pre-Raphaelites and the Arts and Crafts Movement. Artist and designer William Morris is credited with the resurrection of the techniques of freehand surface embroidery based on English embroidery styles of the Middle Ages through the eighteenth century, developing the retro-style which would be termed art needlework.