William De Morgan – an introduction
Meet an imaginative and innovative 19th-century artist-potter
William De Morgan
Known for his eye-catching tiles and gleaming lustre pots, William De Morgan (1839 – 1917) was one of the most innovative and imaginative designers of the 19th century. Influenced by Middle Eastern motifs and the natural world, he produced art pottery in a distinctive style that added beauty and colour to Victorian homes.
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The V&A holds a collection of around 300 tiles, tile panels, vases and dishes by William De Morgan, dating from across his three main periods of production at his Chelsea, Merton Abbey and Fulham potteries. We also hold over 2000 of De Morgan's original designs in watercolour, held in our Prints and Drawings Study Room.
Collection highlights
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Vase, designed by William de Morgan, 1888 – 1898, England -
Design for decoration and ornament for pottery and tile work, drawing, by William De Morgan, 1888 – 97, England -
Dish, by William De Morgan, about 1888 – 98, England -
BBB, tile, designed by William De Morgan, Fulham Factory, 1898, England -
Tile panel, designed by William De Morgan and William Morris, Architectural Pottery Co., 1876, England -
Washstand, designed by Leonard F. Wyburd and William De Morgan, manufactured by Liberty & Co. Ltd. and William De Morgan, about 1894, London, England -
Vase and cover, designed by William De Morgan, Fulham Factory, 1888 – 1898, England -
Drawing, designed by William De Morgan, late 19th century, England -
Panel, designed by William De Morgan, 1888 – 1897, Sands End Pottery, England -
Dish, designed by William De Morgan, Merton Abbey Factory, about 1885, England -
Vase, designed by William De Morgan, painted by Fred Passenger, Fulham Factory, 1888 – 1898, England -
Drawing, designed by William de Morgan, England
Features
Header image: Plate, earthenware with lustre decoration, designed by William De Morgan, painted by Charles Passenger, 1898 – 1907, Sands End, Fulham, England. Museum no. C.421-1919. Bequeathed by Mrs Mary Evelyn De Morgan. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London