The design consists of a central motif of meandering acanthus leaves and exotic flowers worked in shades of various colours, including blue, brown, ivory, peach, yellow and white. There is an owl perched on one of the exotic flowers. A partridge peeps out from behind an acanthus leave (lower right-hand corner).
The embroidery is worked in a darning stitch, while stem stitch is used for the outlines.
See also the TRC Needles entry on a Pigeon wall hanging.
Source: PARRY, Linda (ed., 1996). William Morris, London: Philip Wilson Publishers Limited.
V&A online catalogue (retrieved 28th March 2016).
GVE