William Morris Little Tree - Hammersmith rug, circa 1900

William Morris'Little Tree - Hammersmith' rug, circa 1900Hand-knotted wool on cotton, with stylised floral border enclosing a central panel of scrolling flowers and leaves.264 x 123 cm Footnotes:ProvenancePurchased by Donald Hope, around 1900, for his new house in Russell Road, Birmingham. He was the Managing Director of Henry Hope & Sons who made, amongst other things, the windows for the Houses of Parliament and the Post Office Tower.Thence by descent to the present ownerLiteratureMalcolm Haslam, Arts & Crafts Carpets, David Black, London, 1991, p.45 for a similar exampleA version of this carpet was exhibited at the London 1899 Arts & Crafts Exhibition and another commissioned by Morris's friend A.A. Ionedes, for his house at 1 Holland Park, London. One (slightly smaller) is held in the collection of The William Morris Gallery in Walthamstow, which was previously owned by Martha Woodridge (1863-1958), a classical dancer who purchased it for her home, the Arts & Crafts House 'Wavertree' in St Margarets, Twickenham, Greater London. Another example is in the Museum of Applied Arts, Budapest. The border design of 'Little Tree' also features on a number of other carpet designs made by Morris & Co.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com