William Morris Persian Watch

Description

The Museum’s William Morris “Persian” Watch is based on an original carpet design, which is thought to be designed by John Henry Dearle (British, 1860–1932) who began as an assistant for Morris & Co. and eventually took over as artistic director after William Morris's death. The border shows an influence of historic Persian textiles in ogee-shaped blossoms—motifs that Dearle frequently created in his carpet designs.

18K gold overlay case. Plastic band. Quartz movement. Band: adjusts from 5 7/8'' to 7 7/8''; Case: 1 1/4'' diam. Water resistant case.

Art History

Poet, political activist, architect, and designer, William Morris (British, 1834–1896) ranks among the most influential figures of the Victorian era. In 1861, Morris co- founded the successful interior design firm later known as Morris & Co. The company’s enduringly popular designs for wallpaper, stained glass, furniture, and fabric reflected Morris’s own interests in medieval art and the close study of nature. John Henry Dearle (British, 1860–1932) joined the firm as an assistant in 1878, and eventually grew in rank to become the artistic director after Morris’s death in 1896. Dearle contributed designs for wallpaper, textiles, and tapestries.