MORRIS & CO. LAUNCHES MORRIS V PRINTS & WALLPAPERS,
SEPTEMBER 2008

The launch of Morris V Prints and Wallpapers sees a beautiful selection of designs, based on original documents in the Morris archive, bringing the company and its unique aesthetic to a new audience. Designs have been newly updated and interpreted for the contemporary decorator whilst retaining the integrity of Arts & Crafts, a movement currently enjoying a revival in the design world. The hand-crafted feel and unique style for which Morris is known and loved has been maintained and developed; unusual engraving techniques and earthy colours have been applied to give a bolder, less traditional feel, making this a collection to be used in both period and modern interiors.  

“The collection encompasses varying translations of the Morris look, from bold interpretations of typical hand-weaves and block prints to designs that are less obviously Arts & Crafts in style. This diversity reflects the way in which Morris designs would have been used in an eclectic mix with other beautiful furnishings and is typical of how interiors designers are using this product today.”

Liz Cann, Design Director at Morris & Co.

From striking adaptations on rustic linen to single colour bleached out trails and tiny all-over leaf designs, the fabric collection takes Morris in a fresh, new direction. The wallpaper collection introduces old favourites in new colourings and contemporary designs inspired by the interiors of Arts & Crafts houses. Traditional surface prints are combined with modern treatments of metallic inks, inspired by the hand applied gold leaf work in Morris’ interiors.

The Prints

‘Granada’, a print on heavy textured linen based on a woven silk velvet designed by Morris in 1884, combines pomegranate motifs with an ornate trellis and has a beautiful antique textured effect.

First printed in 1868-70, ‘Indian’ was originally printed as a wallpaper for Morris by Jeffrey & Co., and is a highly stylised, dramatic interpretation of an 18th century indienne pattern.

‘Chrysanthemum Toile’, showing a trail of monotone flowers, has an unusual history; the original wallpaper sample from which the design has been interpreted was again produced by Jeffrey & Co. in 1886 as a paper imitation of gilded leather hangings fashionable at that time.

A perennial favourite, ‘Thistle’ is a truly simple and elegant design. Printed as a wallpaper for many years, for the new collection it has been discharged printed out of pre-dyed linen; a method often used by Morris & Co. in the 19th century.

‘Tangley’, a Bannister Hall design harking back to 1837 and produced by Morris in 1868, was originally used by Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle. Depicting a flamboyant peony tree, designs such as this would have been mixed with Morris patterns in interiors then and could still be used in this way today.

‘Tulip & Rose’, a highly textural, two-colour floral design, is taken from an 1876 archive weave; the first datable design by Morris for woven furnishings.

‘Mary Isobel’ has been adapted from a threefold screen designed in the 1890’s. Named after the embroiderer who created it, this flamboyant design with its large fruiting tree has been interpreted as a print with delicate line work and rich texture.

Completing the collection is ‘Lily Leaf’, a delicate and charming small scale all-over design, taken from the background of a much-loved Morris embroidery.

The Wallpapers

‘Granada Damask’ features a single colour ‘ogee’ trellis and a beautiful pomegranate motif. Adapted from the Granada print, the simplified arrangement and colours make it the perfect complement to the fabric.

A faithful reproduction of an early paper from 1868-70, ‘Indian’ has a similar effect to the block printed original, achieved with flexographic printing in colours that match the linen.

’Chrysanthemum Toile’, taken from an embossed paper dating from 1886, complements the fabric of the same name and has been printed in fresh, contemporary colours.

‘Thistle’ is one of Morris’ most popular papers, a bold, distinctive design in single colour that is as contemporary as it is historical.

Inspired by a painted ceiling in a former Morris residence, ‘Red House’, with its simple motif and diagonal joining loops is characteristic of the whimsical, decorative interiors that he created.

‘Gilt Trellis’ has been adapted from one of Morris’ early designs showing small motifs influenced by imported Indian textiles. Its simple trellis with burnished metallic highlights makes this geometric paper rich and decorative.

Depicting a rose motif surrounded by a halo of metallic gold, ‘Morris Rose’ was inspired by patterns on the ornate, gold-leaf panels in Morris interiors.

Two small scale designs, ‘Lily Leaf’ and ‘Honeycombe’ are both pretty and versatile, the former coordinating with the fabric of the same name and the latter an early 18th century reproduction that sits well with the larger patterns.

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