
Strawberry Thief
<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 & 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.)
- Collection
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Artist
- William Morris
Artist

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.
Full artist profile →More
More by William Morris
Rabbit Pattern Printed Fabric (no. 23583)
1938 · Cotton
Strawberry Thief
1936 · plain weave cotton, discharge printed
Kennet
1920 · plain weave cotton, printed
Marigold
1920 · plain weave cotton, printed
Snakeshead
1920 · plain weave cotton, printed
Honeysuckle
1900 · plain weave linen, printed
Record
Verified by WattsOS- Artist
- William Morris
- 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
- Collection
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Source
- aic
- Reference
- View at source
- Status
- verified
