Thursday, 6 November 2025

William Morris

 

William Morris 1834-1896

 A William Morris design I particularly like is Strawberry Thief.

The inspiration came from the thrushes he saw stealing fruit in his Kelmscott Manor house in Oxfordshire. It became one of his most popular designs and was printed on cotton fabric for use in curtains.

I have two cushions in different colourways    


a tablecloth. 

and an address book

There can never be too many Strawberry Thieves in my house. 

I am also working on a Strawberry Thief cross-stitch, which is driving me cross-eyed!

70 comments:

  1. More education from Jabblog Central. Thank you.

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  2. I like the design and prefer the darker colours of the cushion and tablecloth. it isn't something that would fit with my mish-mash "decor" of secondhand bits and pieces.

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    1. It doesn't fit in with my decor either, such as it is, but I don't care.

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  3. wonderful designs Also the background of your blog is fabulous. Splashes of watercolor is my favorite way to paint.

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  4. The pattern is interesting and I prefer the colouring in the first cushion.

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    1. I prefer the darker ones, too, but I like them all.

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  5. I might like the address book best, but it’s all good.

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    1. As a rule, I don't like symmetrical designs, but make an exception for William Morris.

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  6. I like many of the William Morris designs. In the mid 70s you could get Sanderson fabric and wall paper that used Morris designs. Every room had something of Morris in it .

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    1. The designs go in and out of fashion, but there's usually something to be found.

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  7. Strawberry Thief is one of my favorite of all the William Morris designs too Janice. My friend has some of this design in wallpaper .

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    1. There's always something to notice in this particular design, Julie. I think that's why I like it so much - and I like thrushes and strawberries, too. 😊

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  8. That first cushion would look wonderful on my sofa.
    (Do you deliver??)

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  9. Can't go wrong with William Morris

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    1. It's not to everybody's taste, of course, but I love his designs and his paintings.

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  10. A nice pattern. I don't have anything like that here. Just about all cross stitch projects make me go cross eyed.

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    1. Never start working on a cross-stitch if you have a hint of a headache, is my advice. 😱

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  11. I wish you very good luck with the cross stitch picture. These pillows that you have in the tablecloth are simply beautiful.

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    1. I'm afraid of making a mistake in the cross-stitch - it's not the sort of pattern I can fudge easily.

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  12. I was in love with the Pre-raphaelites and William Morris for years, they sparked such a wondrous collection of art and craftwork in the Victorian age. The Strawberry Thief is of course a beautiful pattern. Also like Morris because he was a bit of a socialist.

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    1. He was an interesting man, and so talented.

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  13. Even ages after William Morris' career ended, his impact will go on, perhaps forever. I wonder if he was aware of his influence on art and crafts.

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    1. I think he was, but would probably be surprised at how popular his work has remained.

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  14. I like the strawberry thief in dramatic crimson and slate. We enjoy a visit to Wightwick Manor, an Arts and Crafts property built by the Manders family. It must have been like living in a kaleidoscope of rich colours.

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  15. I like any pattern with birds in it. Surprised I had never heard of William Morris.

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  16. William Morris - such lovely and somehow timeless designs, what a talented man.
    Alison in Devon x

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  17. I'm not familiar with William Morris but I can see why his design is popular. I particularly like the one with the black background.

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  18. I'm very fond of William Morris designs. Strawberry Thief is one of the best.

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  19. I love William Morris designs. I had curtains in the Blackthorn design and really loved them. xx

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  20. Nice patterns to put on a sofa !














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    1. I like it but wonder if it might be a bit too busy for furniture?

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  21. I've seen that pattern used in various ways but I never knew what it was called. Thanks for educating me!

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  22. I've seen similar patterns, but did not know these beauties had a name.

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  23. Strawberry Thief is such a lovely design.
    William Morris so talented and such a significant figure in the arts and crafts movement.

    All the best Jan

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  24. Your Strawberry Thief collection is wonderful, there’s something so charming about Morris’s birds and swirling foliage. Having it in cushions, a tablecloth, and even an address book really brings that pattern to life in everyday spaces.

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    1. It is pleasant to see it in small samples around the house.

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  25. It seems Morris’s mischievous thrushes have well and truly taken roost in your home, weaving art, craft, and a touch of humour into every stitch

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  26. There are some interesting patterns but not really my 'thing'

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  27. They're not to everybody's taste, understandably.

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  28. Hi Janice - I love the William Morris designs - the family had/have some - interesting to read about your Strawberry Thieves - cheers Hilary

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    1. I looked at William Morris wallpaper and then looked away, quickly!!

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  29. I adore William Morris. Thank you for sharing and good luck with the cross stitch. It sounds like fun to stitch with a great result.

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    1. The trick is to work on cross-stitch before the headache hits . . .

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  30. Yes, I too like that design.

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    1. I think it's my favourite, though I do like Golden Lily, too.

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  31. I love William Morris's designs and The Strawberry Thief is one of my favourites! xxx

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