Acanthus
Morris’s magnificent wallpaper with large swirling acanthus leaves in many shades of green.
Acanthus marks Morris’s move to larger, richly shaded patterns. The leaf was a classical ornament he brought back to life. Examples are in the Victoria and Albert Museum and the William Morris Gallery.
Materials: Paper, distemper
Manufacture: It needed 30 woodblocks and several days of printing per length; one of the firm’s most expensive papers.
The large leaves twisting to show both upper and under side.
The many greens giving an almost sculptural depth.