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Object Timeline

1972

  • Work on this object began.

1977

  • We acquired this object.

2013

2015

2019

2025

  • You found it!

Sidewall, Horn Poppy

This is a sidewall. It was designed by May Morris and manufactured by Morris & Co.. It is dated 1972 and we acquired it in 1977. Its medium is block-printed paper. It is a part of the Wallcoverings department.

Like many Arts & Crafts practitioners, William Morris’s daughter May Morris believed that good design must be inspired by nature but not be absolutely imitative of it. Horn Poppy, with its stylized curling flowers and foliage,　was one of three wallpapers designed by May before she dedicated her efforts entirely to embroidery production. The pattern used a dotted background, a decorative effect also employed by her father in his wallpaper designs.　

This object was donated by Clifford Murvine. It is credited Gift of Clifford Murvine, Reed Wallpaper Company.

Its dimensions are

59 x 56.5 cm (23 1/4 x 22 1/4 in.)

Cite this object as

Sidewall, Horn Poppy; Designed by May Morris (British, 1862–1938); Manufactured by Morris & Co. (United Kingdom); England; block-printed paper; 59 x 56.5 cm (23 1/4 x 22 1/4 in.); Gift of Clifford Murvine, Reed Wallpaper Company; 1977-31-7-a/p

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Botanical Expressions.

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18492541/ |title=Sidewall, Horn Poppy |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=7 February 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>