Published in Scotland Magazine Issue 15 on 18/7/2004.

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Morris tapestry sells for £180,000

The rising interest in pieces from the arts and crafts movement was reinforced recently at a Decorative Arts auction in Edinburgh held by Lyon and Turnbull.

The rising interest in pieces from the arts and crafts movement was reinforced recently at a Decorative Arts auction in Edinburgh held by Lyon and Turnbull.

A rare tapestry by William Morris, the most renowned pioneer of the arts and crafts style, sold for £180,000 ($310,000).

The tapestry, entitled ‘Greenery’, was commissioned in 1892 by politician and art connoisseur Percy Wyndham. It depicts a woodland scene of three trees with animals including rabbits, deer and a fox.

John Mackie, director of Lyon and Turnbull says: “this beautiful tapestry epitomises the work of William Morris and his firm, incorporating his love of pattern, nature and the countryside, as well as exemplifying arts and crafts ideals.”

The tapestry was bought by a mystery buyer from London but a copy of it, commissioned in 1902, can be seen at the Metropolitan Museum in New York......

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By Kate Ennis

Section : Scottish Antiques

Page number : 74