At the William Morris Gallery, we are surrounded by iconic patterns. But sometimes, the most interesting stories belong to the designs that almost never were. Our new ‘Liverpool’ Table Linen Collection is based on one of these rare treasures, a delicate and incredibly scarce motif discovered deep in our archive.
The origin of this design is a fascinating story. Our inspiration came from an original 1905 fabric sample titled 'Liverpool', designed by John Henry Dearle, William Morris's celebrated successor.
For reasons we will never fully know, this exquisite pattern was never put into production. The sample held in the Gallery's archive is the only known example in existence. It is possible this was a trial piece, perhaps for a high-end dress silk that just didn't make the cut. Because it was never manufactured, history almost forgot it. This collection gives it new life.
To translate such a delicate and historic pattern onto natural linen, we partnered with the renowned London Embroidery Studio. Established in 2007 in East London, they are worldwide specialists, renowned for bespoke embroidery for high-profile clients in fashion, interiors, stage, and screen.
Their dedication to quality is evident. The studio’s state-of-the-art equipment has impeccably captured Dearle’s flowing aesthetic, ensuring the tactile feel and highest standard of finish for the entire range. Their expertise ensures this unique motif is applied to the William Morris Gallery collection with precision and true artistry.
The collection, exclusive to William Morris Gallery, is made from a lovely pure flax linen in a soft, earthy khaki green. This beautifully woven fabric has a natural texture and strength that only gets better with age, fitting Dearle’s later Arts and Crafts vision that useful objects should also be beautiful and made to last. The range includes:
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Embroidered Runner: Measuring 150 x 45 cm, it features a larger, stunning central floral motif and leaf details at each end of the runner.
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Embroidered Napkins: Measuring 50 x 50 cm, with the delicate 'Liverpool' design details on each corner
These pieces perfectly blend ornamental charm with everyday function. In a world of mass production, work from a bespoke, artisan studio connects the maker with the user, creating objects that are made to stand the test of time.
This collection is part of our Archive Collection, which directly supports British artisans and their traditional craft practices. Every purchase also helps the William Morris Gallery fund its vital work, from exhibitions and education programmes to community outreach, ensuring the stories of creators, past, present, and future, continue to be shared.
Browse the Liverpool Collection here
