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Calling All William Morris Fans: 26 "New" Designs Have Just Been Introduced
The article announces the release of 26 "new" patterns from Morris & Co., derived from original, unfinished designs by William Morris and John Henry Dearle found in The Huntington's archives. These patterns, which include both fabrics and wall coverings, have been expertly completed and interpreted by the contemporary Morris & Co. design team, and are part of a collection titled "The Unfinished Works." This collaboration offers a unique glimpse into previously unseen creations from the Arts & Crafts movement.
Among the newly introduced designs is "Scrolling Tulip," originally conceived as a carpet design. Modern-day Morris & Co. has adapted this pattern for fabric and wallpaper, featuring tulip heads and acanthus leaves, reminiscent of ancient Greek and Roman architecture but with Morris's distinctive modern interpretation. This design is available in Plum, Gold, and Apricot colorways, showcasing its versatility and historical roots.
Another pattern, "Hanover Check," is highlighted from "The Unfinished Works Stripes" collection. This intricate geometric design draws inspiration from border details found within The Huntington's extensive collection. Its name references Hanover Square in London, where Morris & Co. showrooms were established in 1917. The Teal/Indigo colorway is specifically mentioned, reflecting a blend of historical context and artistic interpretation.
"Wild Tulip & Vine" features prominently as an exuberant scrolling pattern, incorporating stylized daffodils and undulating leaves alongside tulips—a recurring motif in Morris & Co.'s work. The article notes the Nettle/Woad colorway, explaining that woad, a plant with yellow flowers, was historically used to produce blue dye, adding depth to the pattern's natural inspiration.
"Cornflower," a design by John Henry Dearle, is praised for its flowing, vine-like characteristics. This pattern includes a subtle dotted background, a signature element of Dearle's work, along with tulips, acanthus leaves, daisies, and cornflowers. An archival note reveals its original intent as a "staircase paper." Currently, "Cornflower" is available in four wallpaper and six fabric colorways, including an embroidered Indigo/Plum version, demonstrating the breadth of its adaptation.
The collection also features "Norbury," a floral print whose flowing curves are inspired by the ebb and flow of the River Wandle, a tributary of the Thames, which connects to Norbury Brook. This design, available in fabric and wallpaper, is presented in a Madder colorway, recalling the 18th and 19th-century use of the madder plant for red dye. The introduction of these 26 patterns underscores a significant effort to bring historical design legacies into contemporary relevance while maintaining their original artistic integrity.
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