My previous post was about Chinese fabrics, but I prefer these antique designs, purchased recently at auction in London. They include original Liberty of London Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts designs (left) and William Morris's furnishing fabric Strawberry Thief patented on May 11, 1883 (right) and Willow (upper right). For Strawberry Thief, Morris had architect Philip Webb draw the birds in the design.
A couple of years ago I bought an English Arts & Crafts chair at the Marches des Puces at Porte de Clignacourt in Paris. A talented ebeniste restored the chair to its former glory. As befitting the period, the chair was reupholstered in Morris's Strawberry Thief. The extra Strawberry Thief fabric will be used for a tablecloth or for pillow covers.
I've always liked Morris print and these look fabulous!
Posted by: jinxthegypsy | 10 June 2006 at 07:22
Morris prints I have seen, though this is the first time I have seen fabric of this sort. Makes me appreciate his prints even more.
Posted by: Tongue in Cheek | 09 June 2006 at 18:19
what a gorgous photo and a great post.Thanks for sharing your knowledge. :)
Posted by: michelle | 09 June 2006 at 15:58
Your site is my last stop before I set my coffee mug in the sink and officially begin my day. Thank you for this gorgeous, luxurious fuel! I love fabric (although I do absolutely nothing with it)--the colors, patterns, textures! What a fabulous treat these pictures are--better than a muffin, and calorie-free, too! xo
Posted by: Cate | 09 June 2006 at 15:07
I have mentioned Wandle Creek a couple of times in my blog. William Morris' print works were at Merton Abbey Mills on the River Wandle just a couple of miles upstream from me. It was there that he set up a waterwheel powered workshop for printing the first Liberty fabrics.
http://www.mertonabbeymills.com/
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/04/0421_030421_londonriver.html
http://www.zoo.co.uk/~mmenterprises/blog/2005/06/wanderer-returns.htm
Posted by: Mark McLellan | 09 June 2006 at 14:33
I had no idea that Liberty of London was fabric with a history. I've only known of it in a very modern way as the cute stuff used to make dresses and purses and Kleenex covers. If we're talking about the same fabric.
Posted by: ally bean | 09 June 2006 at 13:42
when i first saw the photo i immediately thought..ooooo pillows!! i always enjoy the knowledge you share...you're such an interesting teacher :-)
Posted by: susanlavonne | 09 June 2006 at 13:25
He may be a strawberry thief - but he's lovely to see! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: tinker | 09 June 2006 at 11:29
WAO!!!! lovely! you really find beauuuuuuuuutiful things! You look to me as an archeologist..finding "the" thing :)
Posted by: Catalina | 09 June 2006 at 08:44
ooooooh.... ahhhhhhh... llove
art nouveau fabric... in fact art nouveau anything ! Gorgeous photo !
Posted by: diana | 09 June 2006 at 04:19
What wonderful rich photos you have on your page!!! When I was in college I wanted to design wallpaper and material; I think that would be fascinating - and you have wonderful taste; and these other photos -- supurb --- that little boy sitting in blue... and the skyscrappers with the sad older housing in front of it...
Posted by: AscenderRisesAbove | 09 June 2006 at 04:19
Fabrics like flowers in the garden...all so different but all so beautiful!
Posted by: naturegirl | 09 June 2006 at 02:24
Sigh. They are beautiful. Wow. William Morris, excellent!
Posted by: Rosa | 08 June 2006 at 18:12
Oh oh oh -- I am salivating.
I've never seen these designs in real life, only in books. I'm a huge Wm Morris and Arts and Crafts fan.
thank you for giving me a delicious moment!
Posted by: Colette | 08 June 2006 at 17:39
Love these fabrics, William Morris, the Arts and Crafts Movement, AND your beautiful photos. Expecially, the little boy seated in the expanse of blue...
Posted by: jenclair | 08 June 2006 at 17:12
I love them! I think I told you before that Art Nouveau is my very favorite period. I love the shapes and movement of the design. Do you go to London often? I know it's just a hop for you.
:)
Posted by: amber | 08 June 2006 at 17:09
Those fabrics are so beautiful. There's no way that I would ever have enough nerve to actually USE them on something.
Posted by: Neil | 08 June 2006 at 16:53
You really have my attention! how I love the rows and rows of fabric. Yummy!
Posted by: endment | 08 June 2006 at 15:59