Ixia

Designerdesigned by John Henry Dearle (British, 1860 - 1932)

Maker Morris and Company (British, 1861 - 1940)

Additional Title(s)

Design for Texile

Collections

William Morris Collection

ClassificationsDRAWINGS

Date1905-1910

Mediumwatercolor and graphite on paper

Dimensions13 1/2 x 9 in. (34.3 x 22.9 cm.)

DescriptionPink stylized flowers and green vines interwoven with blue stylized leaves; also a small white floral pattern

Inscribedrecto upper left: "Ixia / wpaper [deleted] Chintz / either 18" or 36" "

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

Label TextDearle produced thirty original designs for woven textiles over his forty-five year career as designer for the firm. When the firm introduced steam-powered looms in the twentieth century, Dearle's designs began to assume a stronger mechanical appearance. The mirror repeats of the Ixia pattern, however, show the continuing influence of Persian pattern techniques on Morris & Co. textiles. Ogee-shaped compartments are outlined by the stylized blue fronds and recall the acanthus leaves used in Dearle's earlier wallpaper patterns. Dearle's notes in pencil on the drawing indicate that the design may have been considered for both wallpaper and chintz.

Status

Not on view

Object number2000.5.97