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William Morris and Morris & Company

Bird

1877

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Bird

1877

Physical Qualities Wool, 95 × 34 1/4 in. (241.3 × 87 cm.)
Credit Line Gift of Dena S. Katzenberg, Baltimore
Object Number 1993.507
A rectangular curtain panel of woven double cloth in the pattern called 'Bird' designed by William Morris. The curtain panel includes somewhat more than three vertical repeats of the pattern which consists of pairs of affronted birds on a background of intertwining foliage and flowers. Several types of bird are represented. In one pair the birds look away from each other while in the other they look toward each other and their wings overlap at the tips. Colors of yarn include subdued shades of dark blue, light blue, coral-pink, yellow-green, and white. The vertical repeat measures 28'**; the horizontal repeat measures 17-1/4', but is 18-1/2' according to Parry (see references). The panel appears to have a selvage on the right side, but is turned back 1' on the left and 1-3/4' on the bottom and hemmed with large hand-sewn cross-stitches. The top is folded over and finished with a 1-7/8' tan woven tape to which are sewn four large (2' dia.) metal rings positioned approxi- mately 5'-6' apart with spaces for two additional rings which are now missing. **Vertical repeat: 28-1/2' according to Parry, p. 152 Horizontal repeat: 18-1/2' according to Parry, p. 152.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 1993; Dena Katzenberg, Baltimore, MD

Inscribed: Machine woven on a 3/8' x 5/8' tag machine-sewn to the reverse hem at top right: 'P286'

Designer

William Morris

English, 1834-1896
Meet William Morris

Manufacturer

Morris & Company

1875-1940; working at Merton Abbey, 1881-1940
Meet Morris & Company

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