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Flowerpot
William Morris, born 1834 - died 1896 - Enlarge image
Flowerpot
- Object:
Embroidered picture
- Place of origin:
England, Great Britain (made)
- Date:
1878-1880 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
William Morris, born 1834 - died 1896 (designer)
May Morris, born 1862 - died 1938 (designer and maker) - Materials and Techniques:
Wool, embroidered with silks
- Credit Line:
Bequeathed by the maker
- Museum number:
T.68-1939
- Gallery location:
In Storage
This is an example of a small, square design for cushion covers and fire screens. People could buy them as finished embroideries or as kits to complete at home. They were an inexpensive way of acquiring William Morris's work, and many examples have survived.
May Morris embroidered this piece. She was William Morris's youngest daughter and manager of the embroidery section of Morris & Co. from 1885 until 1896. She was a highly accomplished designer and a leading Arts and Crafts embroiderer and jewellery maker. She embroidered both her own designs and those of family and friends. The 'Flowerpot' pattern you see here is probably William Morris's last design for embroidery. His inspiration was two lacis panels acquired by the V&A in 1875.
