V & A DECORATIVE PAPERS Wallpaper Pattern No 2311-167-01

Macaw

Macaw, designed by Walter Crane for Jeffery & Co., was originally created as a display piece for the 1908 Franco-British Exhibition in London, where it was awarded a Grand Prix. Generally considered the most influential children's book illustrator of his generation, Crane also created many memorable designs for wallpaper. Appreciated as a wood engraver, Crane had ample opportunity for closely studying the work of contemporary artists such as painters Dante Gabriel Rossetti and illustrator Sir John Tenniel, and his own drawings demonstrate a fine eye for stylised natural detail.

Heavily influenced by William Morris, Crane was a committed Socialist and believed passionately in the transformative power of bringing people from every social class into everyday contact with art.

Archive Inspiration: Macaw wallpaper, Walter Crane (1845-1915) for Jeffery & Co., London, 1908.

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