Willow 1874

This is “Willow”, a beautiful block-printed wallpaper designed by William Morris, an artist who died in 1896. The rhythmic pattern presents the delicate, cascading willow leaves in shades of cream and beige. The willow, a motif rich with cultural associations, is prominent here. Historically, the weeping willow has symbolized mourning and lost love, its drooping branches mirroring sorrow. Yet, in other traditions, it represents resilience and adaptability due to its ability to bend in the wind without breaking. Think of the ancient Greeks, who associated it with the goddess Hecate, and the tree’s connection to magical rites and the underworld. Morris’s choice of the willow taps into a deep well of collective memory, intertwining themes of grief and strength, engaging our subconscious on an emotional level. What we see here is a reflection of our own emotional states and cultural heritage. This symbol follows a non-linear progression. It resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings, weaving through history.