Rare Walter Crane linen set

Rare Walter Crane linen set

Code: 10254

SOLD

Superb and rare Walter Crane damask linen set with bird and tree design very much in the manner of CFA Voysey/MH Baillie-Scott 

(very difficult to photograph well)! 

Very large table covering and includes 4 place mats. The outer border depicts fruit trees with doves flying under them and in between the trees are fruit baskets. In the center are alternating swans and trees. In each corner are stylized peacocks in front of trees. They are all signed in the border  "designed by Walter Crane, London". The placemats measure 26" x 26 ". The tablecloth is a very good large size - just over 11 ft long.

In excellent overall and clean condition - table cover has a small section where there has been a repair, approx 7" by 3.5" which has been very well done and hardly noticeable due to the grand size of the piece. All pieces are monogrammed on one corner, what looks like an intertwined B.A.M.

Walter Crane was an extremely important exponent of Arts & Crafts design. His strengths lay in both design and illustration, and come 1870 he was an established illustrator of children`s books and a Wedgwood designer. Later on, he was also designing wallpapers for Jeffrey & Co and tiles for Maw & Co. In 1888 Crane helped set up the Arts & Crafts Exhibition Society and subsequently the first president of the society.