Morris: Compton Holiday Cards

Description

Renowned in his time as a poet and political activist, William Morris (British, 1834–1896) is best remembered today as the English designer who brought fine art into the home with his intricate, nature-inspired wallpaper and textiles. These holiday cards adapt the Compton (1896) wood-block print from his design firm, Morris & Company, in a festive holiday pattern. Greeting: Christmas Greetings.

10 die- cut triptych cards and 10 envelopes per box. 4 7/8'' x 6 1/4'' folded; 14 5/8'' x 6 1/4'' when open.

Art History

A talented writer, designer, and administrator, William Morris (British, 1834–1896) was one of the most influential figures of the British Victorian era. Morris and his lifelong friend and creative partner Edward Burne- Jones were fascinated by the exploits of King Arthur and the writings of Chaucer. Not only did the two artists look to medieval art and architecture for decorative ideas, but they also saw the structure of the medieval guilds as a model for their creative enterprises. In 1861, they and others founded the interior design firm of Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. Calling themselves “fine art workmen,” they deliberately broke down the modern barrier between fine and decorative art, and established an equivalent to the cooperative guilds of the Middle Ages. The firm designed and produced a full range of household objects including stained glass, metalwork, furniture, and textiles. In 1875, the original partnership dissolved, and the firm was reorganized as Morris & Company under Morris’s sole direction. In the next decades, Morris & Co. prospered both artistically and commercially, as its remarkable range of domestic and ecclesiastical furnishings and renowned craftsmanship made it a household name.