Fruit
Design
1862 (made)
1862 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
This early wallpaper design by William Morris (1834-1896) is known as 'Fruit' or 'Pomegranate' and dates from around 1862. It borrows motifs from Morris's medieval-style tapestry work, displaying a historical influence that his early work in the decorative arts shares with the Pre-Raphaelite artists and with their supporter, the art critic John Ruskin. It also highlights his interest in naturalism and plant forms. At first, Morris tried to print his designs at his studio in Red Lion Square in oil colours from etched zinc blocks. The process did not work. To overcome this failure, he ordered traditional pearwood blocks to be cut for 'Fruit'. Production was then subcontracted out to Jeffrey & Co. of Islington, which specialised in the production of hand-printed wallpapers. Although Morris's designs were prohibitively expensive and initially the preserve of the wealthy, 'Fruit' is one the most enduringly popular. It became a favourite with the design-conscious middle-classes of late nineteenth century, and is still available from the Morris & Co. division of Sandersons, who own the original printing blocks.
Sections of this design vary in character, and it is probable that they are by different hands. The draughtsmanship of the olive branches is reminiscent of Morris's style, whilst the pomegranates have a robust quality which could link them to Philip Webb (1831-1915). The architect, Webb, often collaborated closely with Morris, and it was common practice for a working design to be passed around like this during its conception.
The olive branch motif does not appear in the actual printed wallpaper (E.3712-1927), yet it has obvious similarities with Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co.'s design by Philip Webb for the V&A's Green Dining Room, circa 1866. (E.5096-1960).
Sections of this design vary in character, and it is probable that they are by different hands. The draughtsmanship of the olive branches is reminiscent of Morris's style, whilst the pomegranates have a robust quality which could link them to Philip Webb (1831-1915). The architect, Webb, often collaborated closely with Morris, and it was common practice for a working design to be passed around like this during its conception.
The olive branch motif does not appear in the actual printed wallpaper (E.3712-1927), yet it has obvious similarities with Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co.'s design by Philip Webb for the V&A's Green Dining Room, circa 1866. (E.5096-1960).
Object details
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Object type | |
Titles |
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Materials and techniques | Pencil, pen and ink, watercolour, and bodycolour on paper |
Brief description | Design for 'Fruit' wallpaper by William Morris for Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co, about 1862. |
Physical description | Design arranged into four quarters showing an olive branch in the bottom left corner opposite which is a branch of unripe lemons and in the top left corner is a branch of oranges with a branch of pomegranates in the top right corner, all painted in naturalistic colours. |
Dimensions |
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Production type | Design |
Marks and inscriptions |
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Gallery label |
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Credit line | Purchased with Art Fund support |
Subjects depicted | |
Summary | This early wallpaper design by William Morris (1834-1896) is known as 'Fruit' or 'Pomegranate' and dates from around 1862. It borrows motifs from Morris's medieval-style tapestry work, displaying a historical influence that his early work in the decorative arts shares with the Pre-Raphaelite artists and with their supporter, the art critic John Ruskin. It also highlights his interest in naturalism and plant forms. At first, Morris tried to print his designs at his studio in Red Lion Square in oil colours from etched zinc blocks. The process did not work. To overcome this failure, he ordered traditional pearwood blocks to be cut for 'Fruit'. Production was then subcontracted out to Jeffrey & Co. of Islington, which specialised in the production of hand-printed wallpapers. Although Morris's designs were prohibitively expensive and initially the preserve of the wealthy, 'Fruit' is one the most enduringly popular. It became a favourite with the design-conscious middle-classes of late nineteenth century, and is still available from the Morris & Co. division of Sandersons, who own the original printing blocks. Sections of this design vary in character, and it is probable that they are by different hands. The draughtsmanship of the olive branches is reminiscent of Morris's style, whilst the pomegranates have a robust quality which could link them to Philip Webb (1831-1915). The architect, Webb, often collaborated closely with Morris, and it was common practice for a working design to be passed around like this during its conception. The olive branch motif does not appear in the actual printed wallpaper (E.3712-1927), yet it has obvious similarities with Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co.'s design by Philip Webb for the V&A's Green Dining Room, circa 1866. (E.5096-1960). |
Associated object | |
Bibliographic references |
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Collection | |
Accession number | E.299-2009 |
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Record created | June 19, 2009 |
Record URL |
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