Pima Cotton Lawn Fabric - Golden Lily A - John Henry Dearle

With petals reflexed and stamens perfectly poised for a bee to land, Golden Lily is depicted as a haze of lilies in a bucolic English summer garden. Swirling tendrils, unfurling acanthus leaves, and swathes of flowers, sprangle and bloom.

These are some of the hallmarks that make Golden Lily an archetypal Morris & Co. design. Yet, this work is frequently misattributed to William Morris, when it was in fact designed by John Henry Dearle when he was Head Designer of Morris & Co. (the decorative arts firm William Morris founded in 1861). Golden Lily was designed in 1899, three years after William Morris’s death.

‘Golden Lily’ became one of the firm's more popular designs and has rarely been out of print. 

It's partly a result of an obscuring historiography, where only until recent decades, design historians have been critically re-assessing John Henry Dearle as a designer in his own right. Dearle’s own rise within Morris & Co. is a fascinating story of its own and serves as a testament to the firm’s ideals that were radical to Victorian England at the time.

John Ruskin's ideas deeply influenced William Morris's vision for Morris & Co., shaping it into a "medieval utopia." Ruskin's admiration for the craftsmanship of the Middle Ages, his critique of industrialization, and his belief in the dignity of labor inspired Morris to create a workshop where artisans took pride in their handmade creations. Morris structured his shop like a medieval guild, rejecting mass production and integrating beauty into everyday life, aligning with Ruskin's vision of art as a moral and social good. Through this, Morris aimed to revive the values of craftsmanship, community, and art's role in uplifting society.

Discover our range of Pima Cotton Lawn. Renowned for it's superior softness, lightweight feel and durability this fabric is perfect for crafting elegant garments such as dresses, blouses, and shirts that effortlessly drape and flow. Additionally, its smooth texture and high quality construction make it ideal for crafts and quilting projects, allowing for intricate designs and lasting beauty. Indulge in the ultimate comfort and elegance with our Pima Cotton Lawn fabric.

• Fabric Type:  Pima Cotton Lawn
• Composition: 100% Cotton
• Roll Width: 1.4m / 140cm
• Weight: 80 g/sqm
• Care: Wash 40°C, line dry