4 Pimpernel Mugs

In 1880 English Arts and Crafts designer William Morris famously declared to his Birmingham audience: 'Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful'. Following these wise words enjoy your tea with this smart set of four china mugs reproducing 'Pimpernel' a Morris wallpaper design from 1876. With the scarlet pimpernel and abundant foliage entwined, this design was originally hung in the dining room of Morris's own home, Kelmscott House in London. The swirling strokes and a symmetrical design of green foliage reflects his interest in natural forms, embodying the reasons why Morris is the most celebrated 19th century designer with an enduring appeal today. English designer, craftsman, poet, and early socialist, Morris's designs for furniture, fabrics, stained glass, wallpaper, and other decorative arts generated the Arts and Crafts movement in England and revolutionised Victorian taste. The Victoria and Albert Museum holds an example of the wallpaper showing an almost symmetrical pattern of entwined pale-green foliage and pimpernel plants with small yellow flowers. It was block-printed in distemper colours, by hand, on paper; and is part of 'Volume 1', a pattern book containing 25 Morris & Co. patterns from 1862-81.

Colour: Multi-coloured
China
10 x 11.5 x 8.5cm
Capacity 275ml
Dishwasher and microwave safe