MORRIS HANGING TAPESTRY " Bird Fabric" 8 ft x 11 ft

ITEM: A MORRIS Wall Hanging, of woven woolen Bird fabric. This is a reweaving done in 1976 for the William Morris Society of North America.

SPECS: An 8' h X 11' w  tapestry comprised by four panels of Custom Jacquard-woven Fabric. Sewn panel [with loop for hanging rod] of 88 square feet [9.77 yds material], of William Morris' celebrated 1878 design: "Bird."  

An original piece of the bird fabric owned by those who commissioned the work was brought to Scalamandre Silks, Inc [Long Island City, NY]. http://www.qgazette.com/News/2004/0225/Front_Page/001.html In 1976, they were the only company capable of reproducing it accurately on genuine Jacquard Looms. Each skein was dyed to match the original before the loom was set up. The weaving run was limited to 50 yds. (this was the minimum).

 This "mirror-axis" double-woven woolen fabric in five color-ways, matches the design and specifications of Morris & Co. Woven in the original blue color scheme and 33" full width repeat field. Edges selved and fully finished. No liner backing. A truly magnificent tapestry of panels.

In the 70s, smaller pieces measuring one or two square yards, were sold as framed specimens. One of these changed hands in 2001 for over 800 euro.

HISTORY: In 1876 Morris engaged the French weaver M. Bazin to supervise the production of ancient Jacquard loom fabrics at Queen's Square and later at Merton Abbey. The 'Bird' was the first of his successful manufactures in this genre. A large panel of this material graced his drawing room wall at Kelmscott House in London. The original manufacture was of all-wool construction including the warps. In later eras Morris & Co would weave the design with cheaper cotton warps, for use as an upholstery covering. The present material is 100% wool, just as in the original. Morris based his design on  specific 13th and 14th century double-woven Rhenish and Northern Italian  cloth, fragments of which he discovered at the V&A Museum.

"Morris himself referred to this type of fabric as "woven wool tapestry," though it is not technically a tapestry weave but a doublecloth. The effect of this heavy wool fabric when used as a wall covering, as it was at Kelmscott House, is a fine example of Morris' interpretation of the decorative arts of that era." (cit;MMofA).

CONDITION: Exc. condition. No faults. 

SHIPPING/PAYMENT: Priority Mail determined by zip. Delivery  confirmation at my expense. Never a charge for a good pkg job!  Insurance optional but advised.

Paypal, M/O, Cashier's check, or personal check is welcomed with 7 day wait. Payment to be recd. within 10 days.  

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