Casgliadau Arlein

Acanthus design bedcover, designed by William Morris (1834-96) and thought to have been worked by his wife Jane Morris (1839-1914) with daughters, May Morris (1862-1938) and Jenny Morris (1861-1935) at their home in Kelmscott, Lechlade. All three could have stitched it together as they frequently collaborated in the making of textiles. Probably originally made as a bedcover, but referred to by donor as a curtain. It may be the one exhibited in the 1913 Ghent and 1914 Paris exhibitions, which could explain the curtain loops stitched to one end of the bedcover, as it would have been displayed vertically on a wall in the exhibitions.

Linen ground with overall flat silk embroidery in satin and stem stitches. Floral and leaf design with a border. Many colours faded - predominantly pale browns, with blue leaves and some pink floral motifs.