Blackthorn wallpaper

Details

Date: designed 1892, printed before 1940
Object Type: wallpaper
Technique: block-printed in distemper
Catalogue number: B48
Designer: Dearle, John Henry (1859 - 1932)
Manufacturer: Jeffrey & Co.
Retailer: Morris & Co.
Credit notes: Presented by The Kelmscott Fellowship, 1953

John Henry Dearle designed this wallpaper for Morris & Co. in 1892. The pattern is formed of white blackthorn (or sloe) blossom and violets, with meadow flowers: red snake’s head fritillaries and yellow daisies. The bright colours stand out against the very dark green background. Unlike many of the firm’s wallpapers, this wallpaper was only available in one colourway. The right edge of the paper is stamped with the firm’s name ‘MORRIS & Co’.