Cray Pattern (by William Morris) Playing Cards

This design is based on a pattern created by British designer William Morris (1834–1896), who helped to found the Arts and Crafts Movement. This pattern, known as Cray, is part of a series of gently flowing patterns inspired by tributaries of the River Thames (the other patterns were called Evenlode, Kennet, Wey, Wandle and Medway). William Morris had a great love for the River Thames and he enjoyed many boat trips on the water. The Cray pattern is very complex, including different layers of large and small flowers, branches and stems. In order to create this pattern, William Morris needed 34 printing blocks, which was more than for any other pattern he had created.