Grapes And Vines

William Morris designed a wallpaper, named simply, Vine, in 1873-1874 which was an example of a 'close vine trellis.' A grape vine trellis is more than just a support; it is a system that determines the health, yield, and ease of maintenance for your grapevine. Much is the same for a Moorcroft design in terms of marrying the shape to the surface design. Unlike the Morris wallpaper, archived in the V&A that inspired this design, this shape is unsuited to repeat pattern design with its bulbous foot and slender neck.

Nevertheless, the orderly repeat pattern within a trellis is recreated in a structured, circumferential leaf display at the upper echelons of the vase, which enables the long neck of the vase to become a dramatic, voluptuous drop for luscious, red grapes on a vine. Blue vine leaves hint at the colouration Morris showcased in his famous Acanthus wallpaper and William Moorcroft's own blue Florianware. If that was not enough, a more organic incorporation of the blue vine leaves at the base of the design complete with fluid stem movement, allows the design to embrace Moorcroft's Art Nouveau shape and heritage in a unique way.

Whilst succulent vines are the darling of still-life paintings, symbolizing life's transience, grapes and vines also offer an abundance of other themes in art, including sensuality, fruitfulness, kingship, riches, fertility and as for wine itself, new beginnings and sacred covenants. The representation of vines in Moorcroft art pottery go back to some of William Moorcroft's earliest and most iconic designs: Grapes for Liberty & Co in 1906; and his iconic Pomegranate, featuring succulent, rich, burgundy grapes - one of the first designs to flow out of our colossal bottle oven in 1914 with a band of fruit against a mottled green and ochre ground.

Designed by Emma Bossons FRSA

Limited Edition of 10

Size | Height 15cm