This cushion cover was embroidered by Catherine Holiday née Raven (1839-1925), who worked as a freelance designer for the embroidery depratment of Morris & Co., from 1876. Holiday was greatly admired by William Morris, who in a letter to her from her husband, was reported to have said “you are the only person he has ever met whose work is as good as the old. Miss Burden [Elizabeth Burden] is all very well but she doesnt know how to put her stitches together like this”. Holiday negotiated her own prices with Morris and her work fetched a high price, larger pieces such as portieres (door hangings) or bed hangings ranged from £100-£150 and Morris was concerned they were too expensive.
Holiday exhibited work at the Arts & Crafts Exhibition Society in 1888, and in 1890, where she submitted a wallhanging and portiere, the later a design by William Morris.
Holiday was married to the Arts & Crafts stained glass designer and painter Henry Holiday.
