Pink Flamingo & Yellow Carnation Silk Scarf

Size: L30 x 150cm

Silk-Twill, rolled edges

Printed with vegetable inks, colour on both sides

Dry clean only

About the Artwork
Arguably, this repeating pattern is one of De Morgan’s most accomplished designs.

Way before his 1888 partnership formed with architect Halsey Ricardo, this design sees De Morgan asserting himself as master large scale pattern maker.

It is often assumed that De Morgan’s earlier designs were simpler with a common squared step-and-repeat formations, but this 1881 design is complex. This decorative tile panel from the Chelsea period uses a ‘never ending’ repetition method. This sophisticated pattern requires a series of “A” and “B” tiles, with “feet” on one tile to be aligned with a “body” on another, achieving visual fluidity.

Movement is further achieved by using the taller, budding bright blue and green wafting leaves.

Many of De Morgan’s characteristic artworks show movement but are often grounded with a static form. In this work, the movement is cleverly halted with the almost art deco style (yet to emerge) fanned leaf and the motionless flamingo, creating a striking finish of both movement and stillness.