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
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