The De Morgan Centre

Re-opened after refurbishment in September 2011, the De Morgan Centre is dedicated to the Victorian ceramic artist William De Morgan and his wife Evelyn, a symbolist painter. There are around 250 objects on display including William De Morgan's 'Blackbird Bottle' (1888-1907), which reflects the Victorian fascination with the Middle East in terms of form and decoration, and his iconic 'BBB' thistle tile (1872-1904), which was produced in a range of colourways throughout De Morgan's career. Paintings on show by Evelyn De Morgan include 'The Hour Glass' (1904-1905) for which Janey Morris, wife of the designer William Morris, modelled. Together, the De Morgans were involved in a number of social movements of the day, including prison reform and women's suffrage and, as such, the Centre is also a resource for those who wish to learn about late-nineteenth-century social and political history as well as art and design.