"Pimpernel"

Wallpaper design by William Morris (1834-1896), English architect, designer, craftsman and theorist. This piece is a clear example of the relationship Morris created between the design of wallpapers and fabrics, influenced by oriental models. Titled Pimpernel, it was created around 1876 and is an example of how the interest for Japanese design lead to the simplification of lines and colors. Only plants coming from the East were chosen or ones that would adapt to eastern style, comparatively austere, like chrysanthemums, jasmines or willow branches. Morris was particularly keen on curved acanthus leaves and climber willow and honeysuckle branches, which he used time and time again as the main theme or in the backgrounds.