William Morris "Fruit" and "Wreath" wallpaper designs

'Fruit' or 'Pomegranate' Design

This early wallpaper design by William Morris (1834-1896) is known as 'Fruit' or 'Pomegranate' and dates from around 1865. It borrows motifs from Morris's medieval-style tapestry work, displaying a historical influence that his early work in the decorative arts shares with the Pre-Raphaelite artists and with their supporter, the art critic John Ruskin.

It also highlights his interest in naturalism and plant forms. At first, Morris tried to print his designs at his studio in Red Lion Square in oil colours from etched zinc blocks. The process did not work.
To overcome this failure, he ordered traditional pearwood blocks to be cut for 'Fruit'. Production was then subcontracted out to Jeffrey & Co. of Islington, which specialised in the production of hand-printed wallpapers. Although Morris's designs were prohibitively expensive and initially the preserve of the wealthy, 'Fruit' is one the most enduringly popular. It became a favourite with the design-conscious middle-classes of late nineteenth century, and is still available from the Morris & Co. division of Sandersons, who own
the original printing blocks.

The object of the day: 19th century leather fireman helmet

19th century leather fireman helmet
A fireman of the Birmingham Alliance Fire Office wore this helmet. At this time brigades were privately owned by fire offices and were employed to put out fires only in properties insured with the office. This helmet is made from brass and leather, with a peak made from tinned sheet iron. Until the mid-19th century firemen wore top hats. By 1866, Birmingham had five fire brigades and 12 engines. By modern standards, the equipment was poor, but a hand squirt could be effective in the hands of a skilled man who knew where to put the water and was not afraid to go near to the seat of the fire.

Height:	25 cm
Width:	30.6 cm
Depth:	24 cm

Whitefriars glassware

In 1720, a glasshouse was established on part of the site of the former medieval 'White Friars' monastery, situated south of Fleet Street. In 1823. the glasshouse was bought by successful wine merchant John Powell. The firm's name was changed to Powell & Sons (Whitefriars) Ltd only in 1919, four years before the firm relocated from the City to a new site at Wealdstone, Harrow, in 1923.

The new furnaces were lit using the flame from one of the old works furnaces. The flame had been carefully carried across London in a brazier. The company also had showrooms on Wigmore Street, and this attracted customers from both the domestic and window glass markets.
In spite of there long tradition of producing very fine art glass, the Whitefriars Glassworks is best known for its industrial art glass, which was made from the 1920's onwards and after Harry Powell had retired.

Oceanic Art at Bonhams', San Francisco, CA

Seasoned and entry-level Oceanic Art collectors will have plenty from which to choose at Bonhams’ inaugural auction solely devoted to the topic. The Feb.11 event will feature 150 lots of original, diverse works from the regions of Polynesia, Melanesia, Micronesia, Indonesia and Australia. The auction’s timing coincides with the 26th Annual San Francisco Tribal & Textile Arts Show to be held Feb. 10-12 at the Fort Mason Center.

Massim Splashboard, lagim, Trobriand or D'Entrecasteaux Islands, Papua New Guinea,
Estimate: US$2,000 - 3,000, € 1,600 - 2,300

Vienna porcelain

A Vienna Miniature Cup and Saucer c.1900

A Vienna Miniature Porcelain Cup and Saucer c.1900, the cup gilded inside, decorated with a central cartouche with finely hand-painted rural scene on puce ground and gilt.
Dimensions: cup 4.5cm diam x 2.5cm high, saucer 7cm diam. Marks:banded shield mark in underglaze blue.
Excellent condition.

Price: £115