'Sabbath Rest' A4 Linocut Print

An original lino print, inspired by May Morris' embroidery of her father William's poem 'For the Bed at Kelmscott' at Kelmscott Manor, Cotswolds. It weaves together poetry in Morris' own 'Troy' typeface designed for Kelmscott Press publishing with Homer's account of the marriage bed of Odysseus and Penelope which was built into the trunk of an olive tree. Inscribed on the bookcase are words from Odyssey 11.361, 'there is a time for many stories, but there is also a time for sleep' (ὥρη μὲν πολέων μύθων, ὥρη δὲ καὶ ὕπνου).

This is an original design, hand printed using premium oil-based ink on high-quality white A4 paper (A4). Every print is different and subject to small amounts of variation, showcasing the unique nature of printmaking.

'For the Bed at Kelmscott'
by William Morris.

The wind's on the wold
And the night is a-cold,
And Thames runs chill
'Twixt mead and hill.

But kind and dear
Is the old house here
And my heart is warm
'Midst winter's harm.

Rest then and rest,
And think of the best
'Twixt summer and spring,
When all birds sing
In the town of the tree,
And ye in me
And scarce dare move,
Lest earth and its love
Should fade away
Ere the full of the day.

I am old and have seen
Many things that have been;
Both grief and peace,
And wane and increase.
No tale I tell
Of ill or well,
But this I say:
Night treadeth on day,
And for worst or best
Right good is rest.