Best known for his illustrations in children’s books and his wallpaper designs, Walter Crane designed some of the hangings that were displayed in the Royal School of Art Needlework exhibit at the Philadelphia Centennial in 1876. The exhibition space, a special pavilion, was about 12 ft. square with each wall displaying embroidered hangings and the total exhibit cost the school £2000.

This set was worked in crewel wools, another set, designed by G.F. Bodley, was worked in silk, and a further set designed by William Morris was also worked in silk. Crane’s design includes allegorical and mythological figures, architectural references and the peacocks so beloved of Aesthetic artists and designers.

Image from: The masterpieces of the Centennial international exhibition of 1876, Vol. II

Image courtesy: Library of the Philadelphia Museum of Art via Wikimedia Commons