JOHN HENRY DEARLE

This is the only Morris & Co. paper to make use of ocean plant life in its design. Dearle's exploration of this motif is, however, based upon Morris's pattern techniques and employs the familiar acanthus scrolls to give a sense of upward movement. The small meandering green sprays and colored bubbles create depth by filling in the spaces between the more prominent patterns of kelp fronds. The deep blue ground enhances this effect by throwing the lighter surface pattern into relief.