Taken from a unique Arts and Crafts pattern in the V&A’s textile collection, this design of woodland animals amid scrolling foliage, loosely based on traditional Indian and Middle Eastern designs, was produced in 1885 by Thomas Wardle, William Morris’ master dyer and textile printer. The original linen textile was used to decorate a book cover.
Drawn from Nature
Design inspiration from the V&A archives
Our collaboration with the V&A (Victoria and Albert Museum) stems from a shared love of fine art, textiles and interiors. The Drawn from Nature collection presents a heart warming mix of flora and fauna based on wallcoverings, textiles and illustrations from the V&A's world-renowned archives. A feast of botanicals and wonderful woodblock prints from the Arts and Crafts era are reimagined in contemporary colourways to bring nature indoors.
Willow Bough Large
Printed in Lancashire on 100% linen.
Many of Morris’ wallpaper designs were based on the natural world which he studied at first hand. His exuberant designs interweave plants drawn from his own gardens and the wildflowers and trees which he had seen on country walks. This intricate and naturalistic pattern inspired by graceful willow branches was designed by Morris in 1887.
Drawn from Nature collection presents a heartwarming mix of flora and fauna.
Willow
Printed in Lancashire on 100% linen.
This simple all-over design depicting elongated and overlapping willow foliage is taken from a printed textile, originally produced by Morris & Co. in the 1870s. A common motif in William Morris’ work, this willow pattern is likely to have been adapted from one of his designs by John Henry Dearle, the apprentice who became Art Director of the firm after Morris’ death.
Oak Tree
Printed in Lancashire on 100% linen.
Morris was captivated by nature from childhood, spending much of his time exploring Epping Forest and the surrounding countryside. These themes informed much of his pattern design and ensured an enduring appeal. Greatly influenced by his mentor and friend, Dearle emulated Morris' style in this wallpaper design of 1896 with its use of formalised natural elements.
A delightful assortment of designs inspired by the natural world.
All Over Botanical Collage
Printed in Lancashire on brushed cotton linen union.
By foraging depictions of fruit and vegetables from the V&A's collection, Sofas & Stuff has created an eye-catching conversation piece. The decorative print represents the legacy of the market gardens and fruit orchards that predate the development of the site in London’s South Kensington where the V&A now stands.
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