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Beatrix Potter & William Morris

24th May 2016

“Once upon a time there were four little Rabbits, and their names were–Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail, and Peter. ” – Beatrix Potter

Growing up, generations of children have read these words and imagined four little rabbits and their adventures as well as characters such as Jemima Puddle- Duck. Now, 150 years after her birth, Beatrix is a character we all want to know better- imagining her sitting in her cottage, with views of the lake district, writing stories that would stand the test of time- today, all this time after her stories were written, one of her books is still sold ever 15 seconds.

A few months ago, we were lucky enough to go visit the home she loved so much- Hill Top. Growing up in London, Beatrix felt more at home on family holidays in the northern countryside, and eventually bought Hill Top with royalties she’d earned from The Tale of Peter Rabbit. It was in this house she wrote 13 of her 23 books, and where many of her famous scenes are set- so walking round the house you can really imagine Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail and Peter scampering about on their little adventures!

Growing up in what was usual of a middle class Victorian upbringing, she was mainly encased in her third floor nursery, and had little outside contact as her mother discouraged friendships with other children, claiming Beatrix and her brother Bertram would ‘catch germs.’ This allowed her imagination to grow, and her skills with art and observing nature flourished which later would help her to bring her characters to life.

Despite living a rural life full of farming with her house being described as ‘practical,’ there is a beauty about the house, every antique, piece of furniture and trinket meant something to her, the wallpaper upstairs in the bedroom is adorned with the beautiful Daisy design by William Morris- showing she truly did enjoy the finer things in life; in moderation.

We wonder if she ever met Morris himself- her father Rupert was very close to John Everett Millais, one of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood members, of whom Morris had close contact. If any of our readers know more on this, please do let us know!

If you haven’t visited the National Trust property of Beatrix Potter, and your imagination is itching to run wild- it’s well worth a visit; say hello to Peter and the gang for us!

 

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Willow Bough Blue is back in stock! ✨ Year-round this design is an incredibly popular one, isn’t it incredible that it was designed by William Morris in 1887 and remains so timeless all these years later! 🩶
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#williammorris #morris #willowbough #design #floraldesign #williammorrisdesign #preraphaelites #victoriandesign
🪡 Restocked!🧵 Our William Morris crafts, quilting and Archive Products Market has had a re stock! 🤎 Be quick though, there’s only one of most items! 🏃🏽‍♀️
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#williammorris #morris #morrisfabric #sale #preraphaelite #florals #independantbusiness
Cosy season is here! 🍂 we’re lighting all the candles and getting the autumnal decor out 🍁 With 100 days to go (sorry to mention but we’d do a year countdown if it were up to us!) there’s some fabulous gifts in our archive and craft sale- that we’ve been secretly restocking every day ☺️ Have you bought any prezzies yet? 🎁 also wait for our future post on how to make these pumpkin napkins! 🎃
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#williammorris #preraphaelite #cosytablescape #autumnaltablescape #compton #morrisfloral #florals #autumnflorals
We’ll miss the beautiful summer florals, but also can’t wait for some autumnal flowers and foliage! 🌿
Ft beautiful Strawberry Thief blue 🍓
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#williammorris #williammorrisfabric #preraphaelite #victorianart #strawberrythief #florals #summerflorals #autumnflowers
Do you have a fave out of these beautiful William Morris florals? 🌿 We could never pick just one 🪻 
Designs top row; Willow Bough Green & Golden Lily 
Designs bottom row; Pimpernel Cream, Pimpernel Green & Compton ✨
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#williammorris #williammorrisfabric #williammorrisfabrics #fabric #fabrics #fatquarter #fatquarterbundle #fatquarterfriday #preraphaelite #yorkshirebusiness
Inspired by nature and designed by William Morris, aren’t they all just such beautifully timeless designs 🫶🏻
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#williammorris #williammorrisdesign #williammorrisfabric #fabric #floralfabric #floralfabrics #florals #englishfloral #independantbusiness #ukbusiness
Back in stock alert! 🫧 A firm favourite for many, we absolutely love William Morris Brother Rabbit design, don’t you? 🫶🏻 If you’d like a sample, just send us a message 💌
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Calling all quilters! 🫧 Our 100% cotton fat quarters are now available individually on our website! In all our licensed William Morris designs, they are incredible for quilts 🪡 If you order four, you get one free, so please message us to choose the design of your free fat quarter 🫶🏻
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#williammorris #williammorrisfabric #williammorrisdesign #williammorrisfabrics #fabric #floraldesign #fatquartershop #fatquarters #fatquarter #fatquarterbundle #quilting #quiltingfabric
With so many timeless designs and writings, we think Morris achieved his aim, don’t you? 🫶🏻
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#williammorris #williammorrisdesign #design #willowbough #quoteoftheday #quoteoftheday #quotestoliveby #preraphaelites #preraphaeliteart
Lazy Sunday mornings 💤 our William Morris Strawberry Thief tablecloths are now back in stock in all sizes if you fancy adding some floral magic to your table ✨ Hope you all have a lovely Sunday! 🩷
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