Strawberry Thief

Strawberry Thief

William MorrisWW-1883-016015
1883·Cotton; plain weave, block printed, wool trim with tassels·283 × 106 cm (111 1/2 × 41 3/4 in.); Repeat: 50.9 × 46 cm (20 × 18 1/8 in.)

<p>Islamic textiles informed the design of this 19th-century printed curtain. William Morris, a key figure in the British Arts and Crafts Movement, reportedly fashioned this pattern after watching birds steal strawberries from his kitchen garden. The flattened profile of the birds as well as the stylization of the plant forms highlight Morris's appreciation and adaptation of Islamic designs.</p> <p>These small birds invading a strawberry patch have charmed consumers for more than 120 years, making Strawberry Thief one of the most recognizable and popular Morris &amp; Co. patterns. It can be seen on wallpaper as well as dishtowels, shower curtains, and tea cups, and it even has its own Wikipedia page and spinoff video game.</p>

Catalogue

Year
1883
Dimensions
283 × 106 cm (111 1/2 × 41 3/4 in.); Repeat: 50.9 × 46 cm (20 × 18 1/8 in.)

Artist

William Morris
William Morris

Painting

William Morris was an English textile designer, poet, artist, writer, and socialist activist associated with the British Arts and Crafts movement. He was a major contributor to the revival of traditional British textile arts and methods of production. His literary contributions helped to establish the modern fantasy genre, while he campaigned for socialism in fin de siècle Great Britain.

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More

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Rabbit Pattern Printed Fabric (no. 23583)

Rabbit Pattern Printed Fabric (no. 23583)

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Strawberry Thief

Strawberry Thief

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Marigold

Marigold

1920 · plain weave cotton, printed

WW-1920-003870
Snakeshead

Snakeshead

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Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle

1900 · plain weave linen, printed

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Record

Verified by WattsOS
Year
1883
Dimensions
283 × 106 cm (111 1/2 × 41 3/4 in.); Repeat: 50.9 × 46 cm (20 × 18 1/8 in.)
Watts ID
WW-1883-016015

Source

Source
aic
Status
verified

Artist

William Morris

William Morris

Painting

View artist profile →