The De Morgan Collection is full of surprises! Evelyn De Morgan's (1855–1919) jewellike canvases are often dismissed as Pre-Raphaelite, but they are actually paintings of her feminist and spiritualist ideals, full of rich symbolism. Her husband William De Morgan (1839–1917) was the premiere ceramic designer of the Arts and Crafts Movement, but he also made mosaics, stained glass, oil paintings, and enjoyed a lucrative second career as an author of fiction.
The collection was formed by Evelyn's sister, Wilhelmina Stirling, who left it in her will for the public to enjoy. Today, the De Morgan Foundation continues her wish to share the beautiful paintings and ceramics and the surprising stories behind them.
Visit the De Morgan Collection at our Museum at Cannon Hall, Barnsley, or in our exhibitions at our partner museums Watts Gallery - Artists' Village in Surrey and Wightwick Manor in Wolverhampton.