De Morgan Centre, Wandsworth (London)

Permanent home for work by William De Morgan, the Victorian ceramic artist and his wife Evelyn, the painter.

Summary Art and sculpture Gift shop

Introduction

The De Morgan Centre in Wandsworth in south west London is a permanent home for work by William De Morgan, the Victorian ceramic artist and his wife Evelyn, the painter. The collection was formed by Mrs Wilhelmina Stirling, Evelyn's sister, who wrote several books under the name A.M.W. Stirling. It had been previously on display at her home, Old Battersea House. In the years following her death in 1965 parts of the collection were displayed at a number of locations including Cardiff Castle, Cragside in Northumberland and Knightshayes Court in Devon, all of which have interiors from the years when the De Morgans were active. In 2002, it was rehoused at the former West Hill Reference Library in Wandsworth, London which dates from 1887.

Works on display include ceramics, oil paintings, drawings, Lustre-ware, 
Pre-Raphaelites, Arts and Crafts Movement. The ceramics collection includes vases, tiles and panels. William De Morgan is credited with the rediscovery of the art of lustre. His work was influenced by the Islamic tiles he had seen at the South Kensington Museum. Evelyn de Morgan's art is notable for her rich use of colour and her emphasis on strong female protagonists. The De Morgans were involved in the social issues of the day such as women's suffrage, and this engagement is covered by the museum.

The Centre also houses an archive of papers relating to their lives and their circle, a reserve collection and a temporary exhibition space. In addition, there is a programme of exhibitions of work by contemporary designers.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: De Morgan Centre, London, , United Kingdom

Address: The De Morgan Centre, 38 West Hill, London, SW18 1RZ

Opening Times: 

Tue - Fri, 1.00pm - 5.00pm
Sat - 10.00am - 5.00pm
Closed Sunday and Monday.

Admission Prices: Adults: £4.00 Children: Free

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