First designed in 1879, the William Morris ‘Sunflower’ wallpaper pattern has lasting appeal and has been printed for many generations of wallpaper enthusiasts. The sunflower as a design motif became extremely popular in the late 19th century in conjunction with the Arts & Crafts and Aesthetic Movements, which looked to nature for design inspiration. In 1940, Morris & Co. closed and their woodblocks and designs were acquired by Arthur Sanderson & Sons, who continues to print the wallpapers even today. This edition of the ‘Sunflower’ wallpaper was printed in the mid-20th century and features a vibrant red and olive colorway, a far cry from the natural palette of Morris’s original design.
First designed in 1879, the William Morris ‘Sunflower’ wallpaper pattern has lasting appeal and has been printed for many generations of wallpaper enthusiasts. The sunflower as a design motif became extremely popular in the late 19th century in conjunction with the Arts & Crafts and Aesthetic Movements, which looked to nature for design inspiration. In 1940, Morris & Co. closed and their woodblocks and designs were acquired by Arthur Sanderson & Sons, who continues to print the wallpapers even today. This edition of the ‘Sunflower’ wallpaper was printed in the mid-20th century and features a vibrant red and olive colorway, a far cry from the natural palette of Morris’s original design.
“The sunflower, though a latecomer to our gardens, is by no means to be despised, since it will grow anywhere, and is both interesting and beautiful, with its sharply chiselled yellow florets relieved by the quaintly patterned sad-coloured centre clogged with honey and beset with bees and butterflies.”
William Morris, “Making the Best of It,” 1880
Condition
Very good. Paper with slight warping. Not examined out of frame.
For a detailed condition report, please contact us.
References
Smithsonian, Cooper Hewitt, 1977-28-15-a/f
William Morris Gallery, B109
Literature
Mary Schoeser, The Art of Wallpaper: Morris & Co in Context (Woodbridge, Suffolk, UK: ACC Art Books Ltd. 2022), pattern illustrated pg. 85, no. 75.
“Morris Wall-Papers by Morris & Company Ltd.” (London: William Morris & Co. 1909), pattern illustrated pg. 9.
William Morris by Himself: Designs and Writings, ed. Gillian Naylor (London: Little, Brown & Co, 2001), pattern illustrated pg. 198-99.
Very good. Paper with slight warping. Not examined out of frame.
For a detailed condition report, please contact us.
Smithsonian, Cooper Hewitt, 1977-28-15-a/f
William Morris Gallery, B109
Mary Schoeser, The Art of Wallpaper: Morris & Co in Context (Woodbridge, Suffolk, UK: ACC Art Books Ltd. 2022), pattern illustrated pg. 85, no. 75.
“Morris Wall-Papers by Morris & Company Ltd.” (London: William Morris & Co. 1909), pattern illustrated pg. 9.
William Morris by Himself: Designs and Writings, ed. Gillian Naylor (London: Little, Brown & Co, 2001), pattern illustrated pg. 198-99.
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