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(1) William (Frend) De Morgan
(b London, 16 Nov 1839; d London, 15 Jan 1917). Designer, potter and novelist. One of the most original artist–craftsmen associated with the ARTS AND CRAFTS MOVEMENT, he was interested in both the artistic and technical aspects of ceramic decoration. His artistic training began with evening classes at F. S. Cary’s art school in Bloomsbury, London, and in 1859 he entered the Royal Academy Schools. After completing half of the eight-year programme, he left to work for the firm of Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. as a designer of stained glass and a painter of panels for furniture. De Morgan’s interest in the iridescence caused by the firing of the silver paint used to outline designs on stained glass led him to experiment with reproducing the effect on tiles. Initially he worked from his home, but in 1873 he opened a separate studio and showroom (known as Orange House) in Chelsea, London, and hired employees. The main production was tiles with floral and foliate patterns in the style of William Morris and animal and bird designs, often grotesque or whimsical, painted in lustre glazes (examples in London, William Morris Gal.). In the early years of the Chelsea studio tile blanks were used, but by the late 1870s the factory was making its own tiles; in 1879 De Morgan produced tiles after Frederic Leighton’s collection of Islamic tiles to complete the scheme (in situ) for the Arab Hall at Leighton House, London. Large ready-made dishes in the form of Chinese rice dishes were also decorated.
Part of the De Morgan family
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