Characterised as being in the ‘Arts and Crafts’ style, evident in the densely stylised natural motifs, this wallpaper was originally designed by children’s book illustrator, Walter Crane. Many of Crane’s drawings became nursery wallpapers and ‘Briar Rose’ began its life as the background to a wallpaper called ‘The Sleeping Beauty’, which featured characters from Sleeping Beauty among the roses. Found at Oxburgh Hall, little is known about where in the house the wallpaper was used, as much of the original exists today only as loose samples. The paper was originally produced by the London firm Jeffrey & Co. and has been reproduced today in three gentle combinations and three vibrant colourways.
