Here, we see a design for a festive wallpaper which depicts a festive line of formal, yet, stylized, pattern of pale-green birds who are perched amidst trees and mistletoe. The background is of black, white and yellow vertical stripes.
This proposed design of pencil. and watercolor on paper is Signed in ink C. F. A. V and inscribed with notes about possible production and variation.
Made in England around 1850, this design is the work of an artist known only as "Voysey." it's unknown if the paper was ever manufactured.
2 comments:
Hi -- I just wanted to comment on the lovely wallpaper image that you posted.
It was designed by Charles Francis Annesley Voysey (1857-1941), who had trained as an architect, but started designing wallpapers for Jeffrey & Co while waiting for commissions to come in. Voysey's designs are probably most identified with the Arts and Crafts Movement, and he strongly disliked that his architectural work was identified with Modernism.
According to the V&A, the original design for this wallpaper was done between 1897 and 1899 (I had to look at the reproduction cards offered in their gift shop to get that info). The collection and accession information online gives a manufacture date of "early 20th century"; the museum accession number gives a date of 1913, so it's probable that the production date was somewhat earlier.
I've always liked Voysey's early work -- his lines are so strong and eye-catching. I have to admit, though, if I have a favorite design, it's probably Maurice Verneuil's "Bat and Poppy".
(By the way, I've been quietly stalking your blog for a while now. It's so nice to see someone else with a passion for beautiful antiques!)
Thank you, Becca, for the clarification and additional information. I appreciate your comment!
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