A super Arts & Crafts movement style
design of sunflowers and divided into four
trellis segments as popularised by Wm Morris,
executed in a woodblock style print echoing the
medieval origins of the design and with a
wonderful intentional naivety capturing the
liveliness of nature. Bright sunflowers set
against hatched backgrounds in two quadrants and
flowing foliate stems with leaves and buds in
the others. An absolutely charming tile,
more impressive in the hand than in the image,
the designer and engraver having a true feel for
the subject and medium.
The design, albeit to the other hand, was
also made by Mintons, click here
for an example. Steele & Wood also made the
design in more traditional colourings, including
similar to the lined Mintons, and many dealers
attribute them to Mintons. It is not possible to
say if either company originated the design
indeed it is likely both used the same source in
an art book or art journal. Despite its great
reputation Mintons in the late 19th century was
well known for copying designs and was
criticised for its lack of design prowess.
Verso very clean, unmarked.