William Morris 'The Forest'
This remarkable William Morris tapestry was originally designed for his patron Alexander Ionides. Completed in 1887, it measured 15ft (4.5m) wide. Morris delegated the drawing of the animals to the architect Philip Webb and the foreground millefleurs to his eventual successor Henry Dearle. The result is a tribute to their lifelong friendship and various talents. It is interesting to compare the Greenery tapestry designed later entirely by Henry Dearle. The original Forest is owned by the Victoria & Albert Museum. The tapestry has been adapted so that each part of the design is complete in itself, however the Hare, Fox and Raven look marvellous sewn together to make a modern day version of the famous wall hanging. The Peacock is a perfect size for a firescreen. The Lion fits the stool shown with the Borders or can be made into a comfortable fireside cushion.
The Woodpecker design ( also taken from a William Morris tapestry ) features the same colours of foliage and makes a suitable addition to this range as well as an attractive partner to Peacock.
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