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 Bough," created by William Morris in 1887, stands as a quintessential example of Morris's fascination with nature and his commitment to the principles of the Arts and Crafts Movement. The design presents a mesmerizing array of interlacing willow leaves and branches, rendered with an exquisite attention to detail and a rhythmic, almost lyrical quality. The pattern repeats methodically across the surface, creating a sense of continuity and serenity.

The color palette Morris employed in "Willow Bough" is indicative of his reverence for natural beauty; subdued greens and earthy tones dominate, evoking the harmonious simplicity of the natural world. There are subtle variations in the shades of green, which add depth and dimension to the foliage, conveying a sense of movement as if the leaves are swaying gently in the breeze. The overall effect is both calming and invigorating, encapsulating Morris's belief that beauty and utility should coexist seamlessly in everyday objects.

Information about the Artist and the Artwork:

*William Morris (1834-1896)* was a British textile designer, poet, novelist, translator, and socialist activist. He was a major figure in the *Arts and Crafts Movement,* which aimed to reform the decorative arts by re-emphasizing traditional craftsmanship while using simple forms and often medieval, romantic, or folk styles of decoration.

The original design of "Willow Bough" was created for wallpaper, a medium through which Morris popularized his aesthetic ideals. The work reflects his skill in pattern design and his profound appreciation for the natural world. Morris's designs often drew inspiration from the English countryside, and "Willow Bough" is no exception, showcasing his ability to abstract and stylize natural forms in a way that remains both faithful to their essence and adaptable to various decorative applications.

The "Willow Bough" pattern is part of the collection at the *Victoria and Albert Museum* in London, where it is displayed as part of their comprehensive archive of Morris & Co. textiles and designs. The Victoria and Albert Museum holds an extensive collection of Morris's works, emphasizing his impact on design and the decorative arts.

Morris's work fits into his career as an embodiment of his dual commitment to craftsmanship and aesthetic beauty. His philosophy was that art should be accessible and integrated into everyday life, a principle that "Willow Bough" exemplifies. Not only did the design become popular in its own time, but it also continues to be reproduced and admired for its timeless elegance and the way it seamlessly bridges art and functional design.

The painting can be appreciated not just for its visual beauty, but also for its cultural and historical significance. It represents a critical moment in the history of design, where the boundaries between fine art and applied arts were blurred in the pursuit of creating beautiful, meaningful, and useful objects.