Wallpaper - Hyacinth, pattern #480 1917

William Morris designed this wallpaper, "Hyacinth," pattern number 480, using wood blocks and natural dyes. Morris was deeply involved in the production process. He believed in the value of handcraftsmanship and the integration of art into everyday life. The flat, stylized botanical motifs and the soft, muted colors are characteristic of the Arts and Crafts movement. They were intended to push back against industrialization and celebrate pre-industrial techniques. Wallpaper, of course, is an endlessly repeatable pattern, and here Morris cleverly uses the limitations of block printing to advantage. Consider the work involved in carving those blocks, mixing the dyes, and painstakingly applying each layer to the paper. The materiality and making are crucial to understanding the wallpaper. The labor-intensive process reflects a conscious choice to resist mass-produced, machine-made alternatives. The Hyacinth pattern isn’t just a decorative surface; it’s a statement about labor, value, and the role of art in society.