William Morris for Morris & Company
'Poppy' or 'Wreath' a Wallpaper Design with poppies and acanthus flowers, circa 1880
gouache on paper over pencil and crayon, inscribed with colour instructions in the artist's hand '4004 Wreath wallpaper' and 'print on brass, no.18'; the reverse with 'Wreath no. 24, Morris and Co., Merton Abbey Works, Surrey' and 'Morris 17 George Street, Hanover Square, London, W1' and in pencil 'wallpaper portfolio'
68 x 53cm
gouache on paper over pencil and crayon, inscribed with colour instructions in the artist's hand '4004 Wreath wallpaper' and 'print on brass, no.18'; the reverse with 'Wreath no. 24, Morris and Co., Merton Abbey Works, Surrey' and 'Morris 17 George Street, Hanover Square, London, W1' and in pencil 'wallpaper portfolio'
68 x 53cm
Sold for
£30,000
inc. premium
Footnotes
- Estimate available on request
'Poppy' belongs to Morris' later phase during which his designs are formalised and rely less on naturalism and more on preceeding styles. This example draws upon classical acanthus and Jacobean abstract floral motifs for its inspiration, most probably through the influence of his friend Edward Burne-Jones.
Category: Decorative Arts / 20th Century Decorative Arts
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