Moorcroft Persian Griffin Plaque

H 30.00 x W 30.00 x D 2.50 cm

Designed by Emma Bossons

LTD ED 10

Inspired by William De Morgan Iznik Ware, this fantastical medieval griffin, holding the traditional Persian palette of dark blues, turquoise, manganese purple and green, is curved nose to tail so that the tail feathers of the Griffin could be flames of fire. With designer’s acumen, Emma weaves bulbous artichoke plants, often seen on De Morgan tiles and wrongly created to De Morgan. This style of artichoke, was, in fact, designed by William Morris, and made for both Morris & Co. and William De Morgan’s firm.

Morris and De Morgan met in 1863 and there was a large degree of overlap in their design, production and sale processes. The Firm sold products of its own design and also those by De Morgan. Morris’ ‘Artichoke’ design, installed into the fireplace at his home Kelmscott Manor, was a popular choice in a pale blue colourway. With the turquoise colourway found in De Morgan’s more feathered artichokes, Morris’ more globular artichokes now circle the griffin like medieval military flails, intersected by calming showers of green foliage. For Emma, this design is a tribute to Morris and De Morgan’s friendship and their collaborations.

ITEM MADE TO ORDER | PLEASE ALLOW 2-6 WEEKS FOR DELIVERY OR CONTACT CUSTOMER SERVICES