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Severn

A work made of cotton, plain weave; block printed.

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  • A work made of cotton, plain weave; block printed.

Date:

Design 1887–90; made 1887–1917

Artist:

Designed by John Henry Dearle (English, 1860–1932) and/or William Morris (English, 1834–1896)
Produced by Morris & Co., London (English, 1875–1940)
Merton Abbey, London (English, 1881–1940)

About this artwork

The influential designer and manufacturer William Morris was a key figure in the Arts and Crafts movement, which arose in England during the 19th century in response to industrialization and a waning interest in traditional craftsmanship. He established Morris and Company to provide high-quality textiles and other domestic items that reflected good design. John Henry Dearle began as a shop assistant at the firm, but his artistic talents earned him a promotion to chief textile designer in 1890. Both Morris and Dearle were deeply influenced by historical textiles, especially those of Persia, Turkey, and Italy. Persian influence in particular can be seen in this fabric, in the way the elements are organized into two separate vine systems, one overlaid on the other.

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Textiles

Artists

John Henry Dearle (Designer) , Morris & Co. (Producer) , Merton Abbey Works (Printer) , William Morris (Designer)

Title

Severn

Places

Merton Abbey Works (Object made in), London (Object made in), Great Britain (Object made in), England (Artist's nationality)

Dates

Designed 1887-1890 , Made 1887-1917

Medium

Cotton, plain weave; block printed

Inscriptions

Selvage: MORRIS & COMPANY 449 OXFORD STREET LONDON.W; (on attached label): No. 9445 Severn

Dimensions

67.4 × 79.3 cm (26 1/2 × 31 1/4 in.)

Credit Line

Purchased with funds provided by Mrs. Theodore D. Tieken

Reference Number

1972.392

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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