Tapestry weaving experienced a revival in England with new designs by Morris & Co., inspired by medieval designs. Morris was keen to revive the medieval technique of high warp tapestry weaving, he considered tapestry to be the noblest of the arts of weaving and felt it demanded a high level of design.
Vine and Acanthus was the first tapestry William Morris designed and wove in his own home. William Morris, Henry Dearle and Phillip Webb designs feature swirling acanthus leaves which are the hallmarks of this beautiful style. Many tapestries share a common palette of colours which allow for a coherent design style with different pieces. During the last years of his life Morris was engaged in the production of the Holy Grail tapestries at Merton Abbey. Morris's tapestry workshop at Merton Abbey continued to weave for clients around the world for many years after his death.
Not all are available for viewing on the website. We welcome enquiries. Please contact us for further designs.
CH1004 ARMING AND DEPARTURE FOR THE QUEST
This tapestry shows the Ladies of the Court at Camelot helping to arm the Knights of the Round Table. Originally woven by Morris & Co 1895. Loom woven
WM8162 THE WOODPECKER TAPESTRY
Reproduction of an original tapestry designed by William Morris in 1885 and woven at Merton Abbey. The verse reads "I, once a king and chief, now am the tree bark's thief, ever twist trunk and leaf, chasing the prey." Loom woven. Special note the largest size is a hand woven tapestry. see also catalogue number WM8175 for a version without the scroll.
WM8164 POMONA
A tapestry depicting the fruitful abundance of Autumn, woven around 1890. Loom woven
WM8165 THE PEACOCK
From the collaborative design by William Morris and Phillip Webb titled "The Forest Tapestry". Loom woven
WM8166 THE ORCHARD
Originally woven circa 1890 this tapestry depicts the seasons. Loom woven
WM8167 THE FOREST
From "The Forest Tapestry" woven by Morris & Co in 1887. Loom woven
WM8168 THE MINSTREL
Designed by William Morris and Henry Dearle circa 1890, to hang over a fireplace. Loom woven
WM8169 CORINTHE
A rich design of leaves and sylised flowers, originally woven around 1880. Loom woven
WM8170 THE ORANGE TREE
This tapestry was created by Morris & Co around 1900. Loom woven
WM8172 FOX AND PHEASANTS
This tapestry was originally wozen in 1887 and features a magnificent border of fruit, berries and leaves. Loom woven
WM8173 THE GARDEN
The original tapestry was produced by Morris & Co at Merton Abbey in Surrey circa 1910. Loom woven
WM8174 FLORA
Woven around 1885 by Morris & Co where Flora represents the season of summer. Loom woven
WM8175 THE WOODPECKER
This version of the Woodpecker is similar to catalogue number WM8162 but is without the scroll. Loom woven