Block-printed wallpaper

NOTE: There is no sound with this video

In 1874 William Morris produced this wallpaper design for block-printing

30 different blocks were used to print each roll

Some of these blocks are still used today

The pattern consists of 15 colours

Each one is mixed to a recipe

Every colour must match Morris' original

The ink is painted onto a pad

The first block is inked

and pressed onto the paper

Just the right amount of pressure is applied

Pins line up the block with the previous section

The first colour is left to dry

A new block is used for the next stage

The second colour is printed over the first

The third is printed over the second

Gradually, Morris' pattern starts to emerge

This can take up to 4 weeks using all 30 blocks

The finished wallpaper is inspected

Any faults are corrected

This is just one of around 50 wallpaper designs by William Morris