William Morris tapestry for sale

The tapestry, estimated to be worth £60,000 to £80,000, is to be sold

A William Morris tapestry commissioned in 1892 and valued at over £60,000 is to be sold at auction.

The artwork, designed and woven by Morris and Co at the firm's workshops at Merton Abbey, Surrey, is to be sold on 21 April in Edinburgh.

A copy of the tapestry currently hangs in the Metropolitan Museum in New York.

John Mackie, from auctioneers Lyon and Turnbull, said that the tapestry epitomised the work of William Morris and his firm.

The artwork, called Greenery, shows a woodland scene with three trees - a pear, sweet chestnut and oak - and animals including rabbits, deer and a fox.

The tapestry, which auctioneers say will fetch between £60,000 and £80,000, is also inscribed with a poem written by William Morris.

Mr Mackie said: "It incorporates his love of poetry, pattern, nature and the English countryside, as well as exemplifying arts and crafts ideals and the medieval tradition."

The socialist gave hundreds of lectures and speeches throughout the country during the 1880s and formed Morris and Co in 1861.