Lustreware plate by William De Morgan, at Wightwick Manor. ©NTPL/Andreas von Einsiedel
I have just read in Museums Journal that the De Morgan Centre in Wandsworth, south London has reopened.
The Mourners, by Evelyn De Morgan, 1917, at Wightwick Manor. ©NTPL/John Hammond
This museum and study centre is devoted to the work of William and Evelyn De Morgan, an artistic couple at the heart of the Arts and Crafts movement.
The Drawing Room at Wightwick Manor, which includes Chinese, Japanese and Persian ceramics as well as some by William De Morgan. ©NTPL/Andreas von Einsiedel
William De Morgan became known for his rediscovery of lustreware and his tiles and vessels with medieval and Islamic motifs.
Vase by William De Morgan, at Wightwick Manor. ©NTPL/Nadia Mackenzie
Evelyn was a succesful painter who had been the first woman to attend the Slade School of Art in London.
The Bells of San Vito, by Evelyn De Morgan, in the Pomegranate Passage at Wightwick Manor. ©NTPL/Paul Raeside
In characteristically high-minded Victorian fashion, the De Morgans were also involved in pacifism, prison reform, spiritualism and women’s rights.
'Tulip and Trellis' pattern tiles by William De Morgan, in the Visitors' Bathroom at Wightwick Manor. ©NTPL/John Hammond
Like the overlapping spheres of William and Evelyn’s lives, Arts and Crafts interiors blended art and design to create an overall aesthetic environment – as can still be seen, for instance, at Wightwick Manor, Wolverhampton.
January 12, 2012 at 15:00 |
Lovely, thanks.
January 12, 2012 at 22:14 |
Wightwick Manor is a definite must for Arts and Crafts and Pre-Raphalite lovers – one of my favourite National Trust properties.
January 13, 2012 at 02:20 |
I keep going back to that beautiful vase — it’s stunning. One more place to add to my “bucket list!”
January 13, 2012 at 08:58 |
Glad you all like this!
January 13, 2012 at 09:58 |
Great article. All you Arts and Crafts and Pre-Raphaelite lovers don’t forget to visit Standen in East Grinstead, Sussex – a lovely late nineteenth century home designed by architect Philip Webb and packed with treasures.
January 13, 2012 at 10:07 |
Yes indeed, Standen is another wonderful Arts & Crafts house – see the link to my previous Standen posts on the right here, and the Standen web page at http://bit.ly/851gC5
May 13, 2012 at 12:41 |
Beautiful!! Are any of these for purchase?
May 14, 2012 at 11:38 |
Not from Wightwick, I’m afraid – we want to keep what we’ve got
But work by both De Morgans does come up regularly at auction and through dealers.