Talking Morris & Co. x wallpaperdirect with Melanie Adams
Way back in 2018 we had an idea that, with our good friends at Sanderson Design Group, we could revisit some of the Morris & Co. designs that we all love and give them a new lease of life by re-colouring them. The result was our first collection, released in 2019, which has been a runaway success and so this year we have returned to the archives once more to produce our second collection which we think might inspire a whole new generation of Morris fans!
Above: Brer Rabbit
Appropriately styled here in a child’s room, Brer Rabbit was inspired by a 17th century Italian silk named after a character from Uncle Remus children’s books popular at the time. We produced this two-colour design based on the simple, age-old method of block printing but using the modern technique of surface printing, for a similar textural finish. We also decided the whole collection should be produced with an easy-to-hang modern twist: all the designs are produced as paste-the-wall wallpaper.
Above: Honeysuckle & Tulip
First produced in 1876, Honeysuckle & Tulip was an early Morris fabric design depicting entwined foliage and flower motifs in a mirrored pattern repeat. The effect is of a trellis circling large multi petalled tulips and stylised honeysuckle. Best appreciated in a large expanse, this beautiful design has a gold lustre ground, styled here as the perfect ingredient in the smartest of kitchens.
Above: Blackthorn
Blackthorn, designed for wallpaper by J.H. Dearle in 1892, was first adapted for machine printed fabric in 1975 by Sanderson and became hugely popular. Our version is reproduced in authentic colours and the mottled appearance, a result of quality surface-printing, gives the wallpaper a hand-printed look.
In folklore, the Blackthorn tree is used in spells of protection. It is a blackthorn hedge that grows around Sleeping Beauty’s castle, forming the thick, impenetrable bramble that hides the magic castle.
Above: Arbutus
Arbutus was designed by Kathleen Kersey, a member of the Morris & Co. design studio, on the eve of the First World War in 1914. Perfectly capturing the Morris & Co. style this was one of two patterns Kersey created for wallpaper. Carefully reworked, our version of Arbutus features stems, leaves and berries in fresh new colourways, introducing a crisp, sophisticated version for a brighter look.
Above: Marigold
Marigold is a tranquil monotone composition designed by Morris in 1875 and one of the few designs he produced for both wallpaper and fabric. The pattern features small marigolds, with larger stylised lilies and curling ribbons of acanthus leaves, which we have had surface-printed on soft grounds. The Chocolate-coloured version shown here has an exquisite, shimmering lustre ground which will play with the light throughout the day and evening.
Above: Acorn
A beautiful, two-coloured wallpaper featuring a pared back representation of oak leaves, acorns, willow leaves and anemone-like flowers, originally designed 1879. The artwork was created using the original wooden Morris & Co. hand printing blocks which Arthur Sanderson & Sons Ltd. acquired from Morris & Co. when they closed in 1940. We have re-coloured in a choice of six colour confident ways.
Above: Meadow Sweet
Meadow Sweet, as the name suggests, is whimsical and full of nostalgic charm. Symmetrical flowering plant motifs are arranged in a formal design over this wallpaper, typical of the Arts & Crafts style. Originally designed by J.H. Dearle in 1904, we have reproduced this wallaper in three new colourways with contemporary appeal, including a dramatic dark Aegean Blue colourway .
Above: Owl & Willow Mural
Morris himself felt that his larger patterns worked well even in smaller rooms, despite the prevailing view of many Victorian tastemakers. A commentator writing in the Journal of Decorative Arts in 1892, noted that Morris’ “…patterns are palatial in scale, and whilst their colouring is very beautiful and soft, the magnitude of the designs exclude them from ordinary work.” Our Owl & Willow mural, originally created to celebrate the 160th anniversary of Morris & Co. and drawing from the many motifs and subjects that populated over a century of Morris & Co.’s Arts & Crafts style, celebrates Morris’s conviction that using large-scale design can elevate any space.
This design is printed in 3 sections on 1 roll that can then be cut & joined, together to make a full scene. Each roll comprising of 3 x 300cm panels (A B C) with spacing between each panel for cutting/trimming. The 3 panels make a total scene width of 205.5cm when hung.
Below: Willow
Morris really mastered designing for wallpaper during the 1870’s when he created many of his most enduring designs, including the classic Willow Boughs, which characterises his pre-eminent flair for design and composition with exuberant scrolling foliage.
Our interpretation, ‘Willow’ is reimagined in four rich new colourways, including this elegant Russet, surface printed on a lustre ground conjuring a subtle degree of three-dimensionality.
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Owl & Willow
This is possibly the most chic nursery we have seen, with its archive style and a magical feel! Trees and animals in a verdant landscape, beautifully framed in panelled walls, provide a back-drop that will never fail to inspire the imagination.
Honeysuckle & Tulip
If you want just a touch of Morris, create a feature area in a small alcove. Dress with a small cupboard, a console or table on which you can place a few favourite objects. You will never, ever go wrong with a simple jug of fresh flowers.
In an open plan or multi-use space, wallpaper can provide decorative cohesion between the zones by creating a unifying theme across the room. Use rugs as a way of marking the floor space and grounding the furniture in each area.
Marigold
Bedrooms, more than any other room, should be a place of sanctuary and calm. For an intimate effect opt for wallpaper on all four walls – this fresh green Marigold pattern adds an element of coziness and creates a pretty, calm retreat at the end of a busy day.
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