Acanthus leaves decorate many of Morris’s designs and are made a central feature in his ‘Acanthus’ pattern for wallpaper. First used in Ancient Greek friezes and on the capitals of Corinthian columns, these swirling, curling leaves have decorated walls and buildings ever since. Morris found this classical motif ideal for repeating patterns and believed the large pattern he created here was perfect for smaller rooms, creating a more restful atmosphere than a smaller, dense pattern.
