'Strawberry Thief' by William Morris

William Morris’s Strawberry Thief is one of the most celebrated textile designs of the late nineteenth century and stands as an enduring emblem of the Arts and Crafts movement. First produced in 1883, the pattern reflects Morris’s deep engagement with nature, traditional craftsmanship and the social ideals that underpinned his work.

The design depicts thrushes stealing strawberries from a dense, flourishing garden. These birds were inspired by Morris’s own observations at Kelmscott Manor, where he noticed thrushes helping themselves to fruit from his garden beds. Rather than treating this as a nuisance, Morris transformed the scene into a richly decorative and symbolic pattern, celebrating the harmony between wildlife and cultivated nature.

Visually, Strawberry Thief is notable for its intricate layering and rhythmic composition. Stylised birds perch among curling strawberry vines, leaves and blossoms, creating a sense of movement while maintaining a carefully balanced overall structure. The repeated motifs interlock seamlessly, demonstrating Morris’s mastery of pattern design and his belief that beauty should arise from order and coherence rather than excess ornamentation.

The depth of colour in Strawberry Thief is equally significant. It was printed using the indigo discharge technique, a complex and labour-intensive process that allowed for rich blues, reds and greens to emerge with remarkable clarity. Morris’s commitment to traditional dyeing methods was both aesthetic and ideological, reflecting his rejection of industrial shortcuts and his desire to revive handcraftsmanship.

Beyond its visual appeal, Strawberry Thief embodies Morris’s wider philosophy. It expresses his conviction that everyday objects should be both useful and beautiful, and that good design has the power to improve daily life. More than a decorative textile, Strawberry Thief remains a poetic statement about nature, labour and the enduring value of thoughtful design.