Willow Bough

Willow Bough
Morris & Co., Public domain

Willow branches in the wind – one of Morris's calmest patterns.

Morris designed Willow Bough in 1887 after the willows by the river near his home. It became one of the firm's best-selling patterns.

The wallpaper is still printed, now usually by machine. It shows the Arts and Crafts belief that nature was the best model.

Materials: Paper, distemper

Manufacture: Hand-printed with wooden blocks.

The winding branches crossing one another.

The leaves in two tones of green, which give depth.

The repeat, which is hard to spot.