'Horn Poppy' wallpaper

'Horn Poppy' was one of three Morris & Co. wallpapers designed by William Morris’s younger daughter May Morris, the others being 'Honeysuckle' and 'Arcadia'. The pattern consists of horned poppy flowers against a dotted background, a decorative effect also employed by William Morris in his wallpaper designs. The repeat is 51cm.

May Morris joined Morris & Co. in an informal capacity after finishing her studies at The National Art Training School in the early 1880s. In 1885 she became head of the firm’s embroidery department.

This roll of wallpaper was originally purchased to decorate a house in Salisbury sometime between 1875-1920, but evidently not used.