Peacock Garden Frieze

Makerdesigned by Walter Crane (British, 1845-1915)

Manufacturermanufactured by Jeffrey and Company (London, British)

Additional Title(s)

The White Peacock
Printed wallpaper

ClassificationsDECORATIVE ARTS

Dateca. 1889

Mediumdistemper on paper

Dimensions72 x 21 1/4 in. (182.9 x 54 cm.)

DescriptionThis is a wallpaper frieze showing scroll and leafwork in blues and green. Across the center, on dark blue speckled ground, march peacocks, facing left, left legs held up as if about to take a step forward. Their tail feathers trail on the ground behind them. Acanthus leaves twist between and around the birds.

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

Status

On view

Label TextWalter Crane practiced in many different artistic fields, working as a painter, book illustrator, and stained glass and pattern designer. In the 1880s, Crane designed a number of patterns that were printed by Jeffrey and Company, the same firm that printed Morris & Company wallpapers. In this wallpaper frieze, Crane used a favorite motif of peacocks. The patterns of swirling leaves show his knowledge of Morris's design.

Object number2001.20

Terms