Moorcroft Master of Disguise Plaque

Like the cheerful chirp of a canary in a coal mine, a kaleidoscope of butterflies is representative of the health of our natural world. The rewilding of many parts of the United Kingdom has allowed the declining populations of the dazzling Peacock butterfly to replenish, so that these, and other guardians of summer, can pollinate our world and open the gates into an exciting world of colour and design. Moorcroft’s Butterfly Festival Days not only offer us an opportunity to open our doors and showcase our heritage skills, but to also celebrate these symbols of freedom, transformation and life. Artist Vincent Van Gogh used butterflies in his works as a symbol of hope, William Moorcroft as decorative Art Nouveau motifs, and now our own Design Studio have created a design immersion experience for us all – so let us embrace their fragile beauty, their mystery and carefully crafted natural surroundings.

The Peacock butterfly is a master of disguise. At rest, with its wings held tightly together over its back, the Peacock resembles a still leaf. When a predator gets close, the Peacock will abandon its disguise and adopt shock tactics instead. Repeatedly flicking open its wings, to expose suddenly bright, rust-coloured upperwing colours, with shimmering slices of gold, and its characteristic, large eye-spot markings which hold the purple hues of galaxies and nebulas, to stun predators. 

Rachel utilises softer, Arts and Crafts pigments, to showcase this remarkable butterfly in terracotta, mustard yellow, olive green, deep blue and a deep crimson, all woven into the fabric of those famous, vibrant blue acanthus leaves championed by craftsman William Morris.

Senior Designer: Rachel Bishop

Limited Edition 15

Size | 25cm x 25cm