Description
The Woodpecker Tapestry
William Morris wall tapestries
The Woodpecker Tapestry was designed by William Morris in 1885 and based on his poem about Picus, the fabled Italian king who was transformed into a woodpecker. The original was woven personally by Morris and is now at the William Morris Gallery, London. It shows the woodpecker chasing another bird in the tree and bears the gothic inscription by Morris:
I once a King and chief
Now am the tree-bark’s thief,
Ever ‘twixt trunk and leaf
Chasing the prey.
It’s interesting to consider how many of William Morris’s talents are contained within this tapestry: he was a poet, designer, yarn dyer and weaver.
The most popular of our William Morris wall tapestries – the Woodpecker tapestry is now available woven in France in 80% cotton, 20% viscose and it is lined, with a rod pocket for easy hanging. Please note that the above image shows the larger size: the smaller size has a slightly lighter colour. There is also a version without the verse.
The Woodpecker Tapestry by William Morris hangs in a setting full of character in Missouri (this is the larger size):
Below is a photo of the smaller size sent to us by another customer:
