William Morris’ Wallpapers

William Morris started designing wallpapers, in the early 1860′s, at a period when most wallpapers were generally formal in design, in a repeating pattern.

Though naturally-inspired patterns have always been found in fabric and wallpaper design, William Morris introduced a new version of naturalistic patterns to wallpaper and fabric. Some of Morris’ designs were inspired – or copied – from historic designs he found in the Victoria and Albert Museum. But mostly, Morris designed from nature, using as a basis the plants and flowers found in his own gardens or in the woods and fields close to his homes.

The design names speak to these designs: Pink & Rose; Marigold; Rose; Wild Tulip; Daisy; Fruit; Michaelmas Daisy; and others. Other designs were named after nearby rivers: the Wandle; Medway. Evenlode and Cray – all with meandering, diagonal designs.