"Strawberry Thief" Tapestry

With Strawberry Thief we are really proud to bring back to life one of William Morris' most popular designs. The subject came to his mind when he found some birds stealing fruit in the garden of his countryside home in Oxfordshire, England. However, it took him six years to be able to print it, because he used a revolutionary technique: for the first time, red and yellow were added to the indigo blue and white ground. In May 1883 Morris wrote to his daughter, "I was a great deal at Merton last week ... anxiously superintending the first printing of the Strawberry thief, which I think we shall manage this time." 

The entire process would have taken days to complete, therefore this was one of Morris & Co.'s most expensive cottons. Nonetheless, customers were not discouraged by the high price, and Strawberry Thief proved to be one of Morris' most commercially successful patterns. This textile was intended to be used for curtains or draped around walls (a form of interior decoration advocated by William Morris), or for loose covers on furniture.

We restored the whole design and created a repeated pattern like the one that Morris originally intended. We really went into detail and this is the most accurate pattern on the market because we also reconstructed missing patches. We also brought back to life the tints that were once used, in particular the natural blue and the popping strawberry red.

These tapestries can decorate walls, but also be used as curtains or window shades... their effect is wonderful when light comes through. They truly bring nature inside!

Features:

• Materials: Indoor Poly Microfiber without grommets
• Hemmed edges
• Water and mildew resistant
• Print Technique: Dye Sublimation, for a vibrant print that is meant to last
• Machine wash separately, cold water, delicate cycle, mild detergent, no bleach. Line Dry.

Production and Shipping:

- Printed in US
- Packaged in a poly mailer bag
- This product is made-to-order, consistently with our environmental pledge
- Estimated production time is 3-6 business days during regular season (increased processing time during peak season)