‘Poppy’ was designed by William Morris, this version was painted on a Dutch blank, probably at Morris & Co’s workshop. The design was later produced for the firm by William De Morgan, who produced the design in more vibrant colour combinations. William De Morgan’s sister-in-law Mrs A.M.W. Stirling, recalled that he had said, ‘Morris never made but three designs for my execution, the Tulip and Trellis, the Poppy and another – I forget the name. I never could work except by myself and in my own manner.’ This example, in softer colours was possibly painted by Kate Faulkner, and is similar to her ‘Peony’ tile she designed and painted for the Firm.
