A little while ago I picked up this adorable little set from Chapters when I needed a little present for myself and I thought they were perfect!
When I read about the print on the side of the box I wanted them even more. The print is “Daisy” a naively drawn design of meadow flowers by William Morris (1834-1896). It was the first wallpaper produced by Morris & Co. 1864. The source of inspiration for the print was a wall hanging illustrated in a 15th century version of Froissart’s Chronicles.
Similar flower forms can also be seen in late medieval ‘mile-fleurs’ tapestries and in early printed herbals. The “Daisy” pattern is taken from a volume of wallpapers, which form part of the most comprehensive collection of Arts and Crafts in the world, housed at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.
Isn’t that interesting? William Morris and his firm, Morris & Co designed and produced a wide range of glass, tiles, furnishings and textiles which went on to become synonymous with the Arts and Crafts movement.
So I did a little more digging about William Morris and found out that he led the Arts and Crafts movement of the late nineteenth century. He designed some of the most exquisite patterns of wallpaper, many which are still reproduced today to decorate homes. The Arts and Crafts movement was comprised of English designers and writers who started a return to well-made, handcrafted goods to compete with poor quality machine-made items. William set up his own company with fellow artists called Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co in 1861, (later just Morris & Co), which produced everything for interior decorating from furniture and textiles to wallpaper and even, jewellery.
Here’s some photos of his wallpaper patterns.
William Morris – Acanthus – Gorgeous!
William Morris – Apple
William Morris – Chrysanthemum
William Morris – Fruit
William Morris – Golden Lily Minor
William Morris – Larkspur
William Morris – Pimpernel – my favourite!
William Morris – Thistle
William Morris – Trellis
William Morris – Tulip
William Morris – Willow
Aren’t they all beautiful? Now some of these patterns look a little old fashioned but some of them feel very current, cool and modern – like Acanthus, Apple, Pimpernel, Golden Lily Minor and Willow.
A Morris & Co. parlour or living room which was illustrated and described in detail by Godey’s Lady Book in 1885.
A close up of the chandelier in the room.
The wood work in the room is finely carved old oak and mahogany done in a boldly carved dragon design.
And here’s the Daisy wallpaper print:
So now when you hear the name William Morris you’ll know how much he contributed to design. I am loving my little set even more now knowing all the history behind it.
And it even has a little surprise - the hammer handle opens to review four different screwdrivers. I love a little surprise…..
Isn’t it great when you get exactly what you want… ;)
I believe that every space can be comfortable, warm, elegant and beautiful. I would love to help you achieve your beautiful space!
Email me at lisa@lisagouletdesign.com or if in the Ottawa area call me at 613-762-0818.
Lisa
Photos and info via http://getty.edu/art/gettyguide/artObjectDetails?artobj=143860&handle=li; http://www.victoriana.com/Wallpaper/williammorris.php; http://historicstyle.com/williammorris/wallpapers/daisy.html
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