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Object Timeline

-0001

1955

  • We acquired this object.

2001

2014

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2023

  • You found it!

Frieze, May Tree

This is a Frieze. It was designed by Walter Crane and manufactured by Jeffrey & Company. It is dated 1896 and we acquired it in 1955. Its medium is block-printed paper. It is a part of the Wallcoverings department.

A leading producer of artistic wallpapers, Jeffrey & Company commissioned designs from Walter Crane. In 1872, the company introduced the horizontal division of the wall into three sections: a frieze (such as this design) at the top, a filling below, and a dado that ran from skirting level almost to the floor. This block-printed frieze, featuring large stylized trees with a band of clouds above and bluebells below, received praise in articles on home decoration.

This object was donated by Roger Warner. It is credited Gift of Roger Warner.

Its dimensions are

H x W: 137 x 57.5 cm (53 15/16 x 22 5/8 in.)

Cite this object as

Frieze, May Tree; Designed by Walter Crane ((English, 1845–1915)); Manufactured by Jeffrey & Company (United Kingdom); England; block-printed paper; H x W: 137 x 57.5 cm (53 15/16 x 22 5/8 in.); Gift of Roger Warner; 1955-144-7

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibitions Botanical Expressions and Rooms with a View: Landscape & Wallpaper.

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18402909/ |title=Frieze, May Tree |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=23 March 2023 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>