The practice of embroidery was central to the textile production of the the Arts and Crafts movement; the fact that creator and maker were more often one in the same made this an appropriate medium for the expression of William Morris’ ideals. His daughter Mary, known as May, proved to be a skilled designer of embroidery and a skilled needleworker, and ran the Morris & Co. embroidery department from 1885 to 1896. While designs for this embroidered bedcover and the related valance have not been located, the attribution to May Morris is based in its similarity to several of her known works from the 1890s. The embroidery stitches employed- darning and running stitches- are technically very simple, but the skill with which they are executed and the harmonious use of color suggest the work of a professional in the workshop of Morris & Co.
The practice of embroidery was central to the textile production of the the Arts and Crafts movement; the fact that creator and maker were more often one in the same made this an appropriate medium for the expression of William Morris’ ideals. His daughter Mary, known as May, proved to be a skilled designer of embroidery and a skilled needleworker, and ran the Morris & Co. embroidery department from 1885 to 1896. While designs for this embroidered bedcover and the related valance have not been located, the attribution to May Morris is based in its similarity to several of her known works from the 1890s. The embroidery stitches employed- darning and running stitches- are technically very simple, but the skill with which they are executed and the harmonious use of color suggest the work of a professional in the workshop of Morris & Co.