St Cecilia was woven in 1888 by William Sleath at Morris & Co.’s Merton Abbey Works. The company had moved there in 1881 to accommodate larger dye vats and weaving looms, each operated by up to three workers. Sleath, one of the first apprentices taken on at Merton Abbey, was an experienced weaver by the time he created this tapestry. According to records kept by Morris & Co.’s last managing director, H. C. Marillier, the 1888 St Cecilia was commissioned by Mrs. Playfair.
In the early part of the 20th century, Morris & Co. bought back the tapestry, a not-uncommon practice for pieces they had manufactured. St Cecilia was then purchased by the prolific patron of the firm, the New Zealand-born Mrs. Lucius Gubbins, who furnished her Eastbourne home with Morris pieces. It is from her descendants that this tapestry now comes to sale.