Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

"Willow" by William Morris is an iconic example of Morris's profound influence on the Arts and Crafts Movement. It was created in the late 19th century, around 1874. This piece isn't a painting in the traditional sense but rather a design for wallpaper, which highlights Morris's versatility and his commitment to beautifying everyday objects.

The "Willow" design epitomizes Morris's dedication to intricate, nature-inspired motifs. It features a lush, repeating pattern of intertwined willow leaves and branches, rendered in a serene palette of greens and blues. The design exudes a sense of rhythm and harmony, reflecting Morris's belief in the unity of art and nature.

The leaves are stylized but still retain a sense of organic realism, showcasing Morris's talent in blending fine detail with an overall cohesive design. The composition captures the essence of willow trees, with their elegant, drooping leaves that convey a sense of tranquility and natural beauty. The background is subtly varied in hue, adding depth to the pattern and preventing it from feeling monotonous despite its repetitive nature.

William Morris was a polymath and a leading figure in the Arts and Crafts Movement, which sought to return to handcraftsmanship and away from industrial mass production. His work often incorporated elements from medieval and natural motifs, in part influenced by the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, with which he had close associations.

The "Willow" design fits squarely within Morris's larger body of work, which often focused on flora and fauna and aimed to elevate the beauty of everyday objects through skilled craftsmanship. Unlike conventional paintings, Morris's work in wallpaper and textile design was intended to make art a part of daily life, surrounding people with beautiful and thoughtfully crafted items.

The original design for "Willow" is part of the collections at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, which houses a significant portion of Morris's works. The museum's collection includes wallpapers, textiles, and other decorative arts that exemplify Morris's impact on design and his commitment to the Arts and Crafts ethos.

- Technique: The "Willow" design uses a block printing method, a painstaking process that reflects Morris's dedication to handcraftsmanship. This technique allowed for the intricate detailing and rich layering of colors that are characteristic of his designs.
- Symbolism: The willow tree in Victorian symbolism often represented melancholy and reflection, echoing the Pre-Raphaelite love for themes of romanticism and nature.
- Legacy: Morris's "Willow" design remains influential in contemporary design and is often reproduced or reinterpreted in modern wallpapers and textiles, a testament to its enduring appeal and aesthetic brilliance.

In summary, "Willow" by William Morris is not just a wallpaper design but a work of art that embodies the principles of the Arts and Crafts Movement — marrying beauty with function and art with life. It stands as a lasting testament to Morris's vision and his ability to find profound beauty in the natural world, transforming it into something that enriches everyday existence.