Strawberry Thief

Art Institute of Chicago

Strawberry Thief

Designed by William Morris (English, 1834–1896)LinkedCulture matchlcp-0ff1f0101033

Date
Design 1883, made 1883–1917
Medium
Cotton; plain weave, block printed, wool trim with tassels
Department
Textiles
Institution
Art Institute of Chicago
Object ID
149052

Islamic textiles informed the design of this 19th-century printed curtain. William Morris, a key figure in the British Arts and Crafts Movement, reportedly fashioned this pattern after watching birds steal strawberries from his kitchen garden. The flattened profile of the birds as well as the stylization of the plant forms highlight Morris's appreciation and adaptation of Islamic designs. These small birds invading a strawberry patch have charmed consumers for more than 120 years, making Strawberry Thief one of the most recognizable and popular Morris & Co. patterns. It can be seen on wallpaper as well as dishtowels, shower curtains, and tea cups, and it even has its own Wikipedia page and spinoff video game.

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Provenance & credit

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Credit line
Purchased with funds provided by John H. Bryan, Hope McCormick, and Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Foundation; and the Textile Society
Provenance
Kurland-Zabar, New York, by Aug. 28, 1991 [invoice, May 13, 1992; incoming receipt RX19027, Aug. 28, 1991; copy in curatorial object file]; sold to the Art Institute of Chicago, 1991.

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Object type
AAT300014063

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