William Morris Hand-Blocked Honeysuckle Wallpaper Panel

Although best known for her embroideries and textiles, May Morris also designed some wallpapers at her father’s firm Morris & Co. ‘Honeysuckle’ is her most famous wallpaper design; it was also one of the most popular patterns among consumers and is produced even today. May would have been about 21 years old when she created this pattern, and while she may have received some assistance from her father, the confident design shows an understanding of composition and color theory on the level of an experienced designer.

Dimensions: 52 3/8 in. H x 21 1/4 in. W (133.2 cm H x 54.2 cm W)
Condition: Very good. Paper with slight warping. Some slight creasing along selvedge. Light crease in center approximately 2 3/4 inches long. Not examined out of frame.

References:
Smithsonian, Cooper Hewitt, 1980461176
William Morris Gallery, B52, NN462
Victoria & Albert Museum, E.6681915

Literature:
Lynn Hulse et al, May Morris: Arts & Crafts Designer (London: Thames & Hudson, 2017), pattern illustrated pp. 62-63, pls. 47-48.

Mary Schoeser, The Art of Wallpaper: Morris & Co in Context (Woodbridge, Suffolk, UK: ACC Art Books Ltd. 2022), pattern illustrated p. 110, no. 99.

William Morris by Himself: Designs and Writings, ed. Gillian Naylor (London: Little, Brown & Co, 2001), pattern illustrated pp. 178-79.

Note:
We have three William Morris wallpaper panels available (see last image) and we’re happy to sell them as a set. Please message us for more information.