The newest addition to our Wendy Morrison Design family, A Mughal Painting Collection, which comprises two hand-knotted rugs, wallpaper, a hand-tufted runner, Crewel embroidery wall-hanging and a sumptuous Crewel embroidery cushion, has come together quickly. Nature-inspired, colour-drenched, Mughal art has inspired not just one rug, but a full immersive collection.
‘I first came across Mughal Miniatures artworks on a visit to India,’ Wendy explains. ‘This style of painting, originally seen in book illustrations, evolved in India during the reigns of the Mughal emperors from the 16 th -18 th centuries. The style, which combines pure, vivid colours, fine, delicate lines, a tradition of visual storytelling, and influence taken from nature, resonates deeply with me.’
A Mughal Painting
Wendy’s interpretation of this unique style of painting can be seen in A Mughal Painting Collection, which shares the everlasting story of nature as a source of inspiration, beauty, and an essential part of life. The collection began with A Mughal Painting, a hand-knotted wool and silk rug, launched earlier this year, which features an elegant horse at her centre, symbolising strength, courage, and freedom. The majestic creature is set against a glorious backdrop full of elements of nature, bathed in warm colour, held within a beautiful border.
A Mughal Painting Collection
A Mughal Painting Part 2 Hand-Knotted Rug
In the second hand-knotted wool and silk rug, A Mughal Painting Part 2, horses, birds, and the natural world again take centre stage. ‘Like her predecessor, A Mughal Painting Part 2 celebrates the inspiration, colour and detail at the heart of Mughal art,’ Wendy says. ‘ She continues to share the tradition and joy of visual storytelling, highlighting Mother Nature’s powerful and much-needed influence. Nature was the inspiration for much Mughal art and continues to inspire me today, perhaps at a time when we need her more than ever.
‘Unlike A Mughal Painting Part 1, I did not want the constraint and formality of a strong border,’ Wendy explains. ‘This design enjoys more freedom and combines all elements of nature, from the clouds in the sky to the river running through the mountains, giving life to fertile greenery and beautiful flowers.
‘I kept the horse theme because I love them so much, especially running free. I introduced two swooping cranes, darting swallows, and our much-loved phoenix, just to add to the magical powers of this majestic piece. In place of a defined border, the design is grounded by golden floral outlines, which makes her very easy to place.
"More than ever, I feel the benefits of connecting with Mother Earth and all her beauty. From swimming in her natural waters to walking in the wilds, this is a celebration of my favourite things that bring me joy. I hope she brings joy to you too."
Personal connection
‘A Mughal Painting Part 2, with her focus on all the bountiful elements of nature, very much comes from the heart,’ Wendy adds. ‘More than ever, I feel the benefits of connecting with Mother Earth and all her beauty. From swimming in her natural waters to walking in the wilds, this is a celebration of my favourite things that bring me joy. I hope she brings joy to you too.’
The soft, gentle colours, picked out in shimmering silk, are calming and restorative, inviting you to breathe out and relax. One of the most significant colours throughout this collection is lilac, the shade associated with the Crown Chakra, the energy centre with a connection to spirituality and enlightenment.
‘I was immediately drawn to the colours in Mughal art, so fresh and vibrant, and the significance of lilac and the Crown Chakra, which is related to spiritual connection, the search for a deeper understanding of life, and the idea that something can lift and inspire us. The story within this collection is very much about how inspiring these paintings are to me,’ Wendy adds.
Mughal Flower Show Hand-Tufted Runner
With her stunning focus on vivid flowers and vibrant greenery set against a soft black backdrop, gently held within a border of lilac flowers and gold petal-shaped edging, this hand-tufted runner is a floral tribute to Mother Nature. Our Mughal Flower Show runner also features swallows and butterflies throughout the central panel of flowers and foliage; a few playfully dart across the lilac border, enhancing the sense of joy, fun and freedom.
Wallpaper
Horses, which represent strength and freedom, gallop across this glorious wallcovering against a backdrop of golden floral silhouettes. Wild cranes, a symbol of long life and happiness, soar alongside delicate swallows in a beautiful, natural world full of colour. A wallpaper to lift the spirits, this joyful design celebrates nature in all her glory. The delicate gold background allows every motif to stand out, while individual colours have room to breathe.
Crewel Embroidery Wall-Hanging
Reminiscent of the presentation style of the original Mughal Miniatures, which often appeared as book illustrations, our Crewel wall-hanging offers a window into a natural world full of beauty. Exquisite silk embroidery brings to life a picture of Mother Nature that unfolds, layer by layer, in gentle colour and delicate detail. An elegant horse stands in the centre against a calming lilac backdrop, while the golds, greens, pinks and whites of birds and flowers create a pretty frame that draws the viewer into another world.
Crewel Cushion
A deep lilac creates the perfect backdrop for our elegant black and white horse to high step through lush flora and fauna. Full of jewel-like tones, the velvet-and-silk cushion is bold, vivid and full of life. A wonderful way to add a touch of luxury, the cushion’s combination of lilac, gold, pink, white and green is uplifting and refreshing; a gentle wake-up call for interiors.
You can read more about Wendy’s inspiration from Mughal art in our previous journal here. Playful, beautiful, thoughtful, inspiring, and full of joy, this collection shines a spotlight on the beauty and importance of the world around us. A design which has so many of our favourite things at her heart, A Mughal Painting Collection felt like a natural step.
