Piece of Calico c. 1936

This Piece of Calico, by Edward Grant, is a design presumably for fabric, and it’s fascinating how much the artist is thinking about both the overall pattern and the individual motifs. There is a real sense of control, but the hand-drawn, slightly irregular quality keeps it lively. The dark backgrounds really make the colors pop. Look closely and you can see the texture of the paper peeking through. It feels like the design is built up in layers, with a real understanding of how different colors and shapes interact. I love the details, like the tiny dots and lines, they give it a richness and depth that a more straightforward approach might miss. The way Grant balances complexity with repetition reminds me a little of William Morris, another designer who understood that art could be both beautiful and functional. Ultimately, it's the playful imperfection that makes this piece so appealing.