Patterns are everywhere ? on paper or cloth, as wallpaper or as wrapping material. Patterns can be strictly abstract and geometrical or concrete, multicoloured or monochrome. Sometimes they serve as a background, sometimes as a coating. They are usually composed of a recurrent motif ? often floral or natural, sometimes abstract. They have in common that they've not meant to be seen as a picture with a focus, nor as the main thing that draws the attention. The purpose of a pattern is mostly to create a mood, a backdrop, a setting for the main thing. Creating an ideal pattern requires a certain restraint and a good knowledge of colours. Historically, William Morris springs to the mind with his famous quasi-mediaeval designs for panels and textiles. Colour throughout
