‘Leaf’ or ‘Seaweed’

The Curwen Press produced some of the most important books and graphics of the inter-war years. They worked with many of the best commercial and fine artists of the period, from Edward Bawden, to Eric Ravilious and Paul Nash. The Press was known for their patterned papers, commissioned from many of the same artists who illustrated their books. The patterned papers were used on books, either as end-papers or as decorative covers. But they were also sold as sheets for wrapping papers and other uses. Bawden's work for Curwen began in 1924 and included direct commissions for book illustrations and covers, papers and wallpapers. These were sold through the shop Modern Textiles, opened in London by designer Elspeth Little in 1926.