Peacock and Dragon Woven Wool Panel by Morris & Co

Art & Decorative

SOLD

A strikingly large woolen twill panel in “Peacock and Dragon”, designed by William Morris in 1878.

Woven on hand-operated Jacquard looms at the Morris & Co works at Merton Abbey in Surrey, this design can still be seen in the Tapestry Room at Morris’ Oxfordshire home, Kelmscott Manor, as shown below.

This example, probably dating from around 1890, has an interesting provenance, coming from the private collection of Professor Bernard Nevill (1930-2019), former Design Director of Liberty of London. His eclectically furnished Chelsea home, West House (formerly Glebe House), was featured in the 1987 cult British film Withnail and I as the home of Richard E. Grant’s character Withnail’s eccentric Uncle Monty. The house itself was designed in 1868 by Philip Webb, the Arts and Crafts architect also responsible for Red House in Bexleyheath for his friend William Morris.

Very good country house condition, retaining superb vibrant colour, with a just a few scattered small holes/ wear and some old moth nibbles to the bottom section which are barely noticeable. Overall, a wonderful statement piece for a generous sized wall.

Dimensions:

Length/ drop: 300 cm (approximately 118 inches) plus a 6 cm (approximately 2.5 inches) hem

Width: 170 cm (67 inches)