'Fruit' by William Morris

Enjoy the beautiful 'Fruit' (1862) patterned wallpaper design by arts and crafts designer William Morris on a range of wall art, phone and iPad cases, notebooks and homeware for your living room, bedroom and home.

About Fruit by William Morris

Fruit is a stunning example of William Morris’s mastery in textile and wallpaper design. Created in 1866, the piece exemplifies his iconic Arts and Crafts style, which combined beauty, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for nature. The design is also sometimes called Pomegranate, referencing one of the central motifs featured in its pattern.

The piece is characterised by an intricate layout of fruit and foliage, including plump pomegranates, peaches, and lemons, nestled amongst twisting vines and lush leaves. The natural elements are stylised yet recognisable, with flowing forms that create a harmonious rhythm across the design. The arrangement draws the viewer’s eye across the entire surface, offering a sense of abundance and vitality.

Morris used a muted yet rich colour palette, with deep greens, warm golds, and soft reds, which evoke a timeless and organic quality. The careful interplay of colours ensures that no single element dominates the design, reflecting Morris’s belief in balance and unity in art.

The work is more than just decorative; it reflects Morris’s philosophy that beauty should be part of everyday life. He was influenced by medieval art and nature, which inspired his designs to blend functionality with artistic expression. Fruit was originally created as a wallpaper but has since been adapted to other mediums, including textiles, demonstrating its enduring appeal.

Today, Fruit remains one of Morris’s most celebrated designs, admired for its attention to detail and its ability to transform simple, natural forms into a work of art. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of handcrafted design and Morris’s vision of bringing beauty into the homes of ordinary people.