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Best remembered today as a designer and decorator, William Morris was also a romantic poet on a par with Tennyson, a novelist, and a zealous political reformer. Though fashion in designs and decor come and go, the work of this Victorian master seems to be immortal even though he has been dead for more than 100 years. His creative output included designs for wallpaper, ceramic tiles, stained glass, tapestries, embroideries, carpets, furniture and calligraphy.
Influenced by his knowledge of medieval art and his observation of natural forms, Morris' flora and fauna themes are easily recognizable even by those who are unfamiliar with his art. He loved the middle ages, describing it as a period of chivalry, saintliness and courtly love, as well as a time when respected craftsman made beautiful and useful goods.
From its inception, the Victoria & Albert Museum has had a profound influence over designers and manufacturers. William Morris happily claimed that he used the Museum 'more than any living man'. Working closely with the V&A Museum, patterns have been carefully selected from the calligraphy and decorative borders created by Morris for literary works such as the magnificent and highly prized edition of The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer, 1893. The William Morris Wine Accessories collection was launched in early 1997. This very range has won the 1997 Gift Of The Year Award organized by the Giftware Association and the Trade Promotion Services of the United Kingdom.
Due to the successful collaboration effort between Royal Selangor and the V&A Museum, which resulted in this award, Royal Selangor has since then paved the way for more introductions of wine accessories in this range.
One of the bestsellers in this range includes the wine funnel. The design edition used on this funnel is regarded as a serious piece of history and not as a romance artwork, according to Morris. It is one of William Caxton's most important works. He further describes the Caxton text and style as "vigorous" and "agreeable" which inspired him to design a profusion of ornamental borders. The motif used here is from the corner of one of the borders adapted to suit the spherical form of the wine funnel.
Another popular item is the foil cutter. The William Morris Foil Cutter has an extraordinary shape that differs from the simple penknife and plastic cuters bearing steel blades or 'teeth' available in the market. It uses a steel blade of a semi-circular shape set into the pewter which is shaped like a bunch of grapes. Its rounded curve makes it very tactile as it fits comfortably in the palm of the hand. It is indeed a unique and highly functional item applying the grape and vine motif in Morris' style.
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