Wall Paper c. 1937

This "Wall Paper," created by Sidney Liswood, presents a rhythmic array of ornamental frames and decorative motifs. Central to its design is a framed vignette of embracing figures, evoking themes of love and pastoral serenity, reminiscent of scenes found in classical art. The frame's symmetrical ornamentation, echoed in the surrounding patterns, speaks to a deeper, almost primal human desire for order and balance. This symmetry, repeated across different cultures and eras, can be seen in ancient Roman mosaics or Renaissance tapestries. But here, it is domesticated, brought into the realm of interior decoration. The embracing figures within their natural setting are not merely decorative; they stir a collective memory. This harkens back to the idyllic landscapes of Arcadian myth, expressing a longing for a lost, harmonious connection with nature and with one another. The pattern becomes a vessel carrying our shared, subconscious desires for peace, love, and a return to simpler times.