This design for printed cotton showcases Morris’s ability to seamlessly create flowing patterns that capture the spirit and vibrancy of the natural world. The dense, vigorous swirls in this design show Morris at the height of his powers as a textile designer. Can you see that alterations have been made and lines rubbed out? Morris drew, revised and coloured a pattern on a single sheet of paper, believing that a harmonious piece of work should be done in one attempt.
This design was printed using woodblocks by Wardle & Co., who were based in the town of Leek, a centre of textile production at the time. In the mid-1870s Morris was deeply involved in producing textiles of all kinds. He experimented with vegetable dyes, commissioning carpets, and creating patterns for silk and cotton fabrics. His fascination with developing techniques led to some sleepless nights and in 1876 Morris wrote to his friend Aglaia Coronio, “I am drawing patterns so fast that last night I dreamt I had to draw a sausage; somehow I had to eat it first, which made me anxious about my digestion: however I have just done quite a pretty pattern for printed work.”
