New Persian

In addition to New Persian, many other Morris & Co. woven fabrics employed a mixture of fibers, whether silk and cotton, silk and linen, or silk and wool. In this case, Dearle's use of silk provides an attractive contrasting sheen to the wool. In 1905, Morris & Co. was going through a number of changes in its organization and management. The brothers F. and R. Smith, who had managed the firm after Morris's death, retired and were replaced by H. C. Marillier. The firm itself was registered as a private company under the title "Morris & Company, Decorators Ltd." In an attempt to revive its declining fortunes, Marillier expanded the firm's range of merchandise and also encouraged some changes in the styles of the designs being produced.