HOMECOMING
Highlights in the Exhibition
Honeysuckle Tile Panel
Tin glazed earthenware polychrome tile panel of four 6" tiles and a 3" make up piece. Decorated in polychrome with honeysuckle, spotty buds and tendrils on a blue ground. One of a pair. De Morgan cleverly designed tiles that would work as stand-alone patterns, or that when placed side by side would connect and flow to create a larger frieze. This upright pattern was possibly designed as a tile frieze suitable to be used in a fire surround. The flat stylised flowers, leaves and buds in this pattern are reminiscent of William Morriss design idiom and it was De Morgans intention to create ceramic patterns which would complement Morris interiors.
Scarlet Macaw and Blue Fronted Amazon Parrot tile panel
Framed tile panel consisting of a 8 x 3 section of polychrome tiles with scarlett macaws and blue fronted amazon parrots in a vine with grapes and leaves. Originally the tiles formed a large fire screen however it was damaged in the Bourlet's fire in 1991 and broken into 60 fragments. The panel was conserved and reassembled from broken tiles in 2012
Floral Ogee tile panel
Earthenware tile panel decorated with an Islamic inspired design consisting of an ogee shaped motif with flowers and birds. Consisting of 16 six inch tiles in a wooden frame.
Cherub and Dove tile panel
Tin glazed earthenware polychrome tile panel of 3x3 6" tiles. Decorated with a cherub and bow and arrow surrounded by doves.
Scarlet Macaw and Blue Fronted Amazon Parrot tile panel
Framed tile panel consisting of a 8 x 3 section of polychrome tiles with scarlett macaws and blue fronted amazon parrots in a vine with grapes and leaves. Originally the tiles formed a large fire screen however it was damaged in the Bourlet's fire in 1991 and broken into 60 fragments. The panel was conserved and reassembled from broken tiles in 2012
Seahorse Tile Panel
Earthenware tile panel consisting of three 9" tiles decorated with stylised seahorses and waves in turquoise and blue. De Morgan's animals are often anthropormorthic and embued with personality such as the gleeful sea monster in this tile panel.
Seahorse Tile Panel
Earthenware tile panel consisting of three 9" tiles decorated with stylised seahorses and waves in turquoise and blue. De Morgan's animals are often anthropormorthic and embued with personality such as the gleeful sea monster in this tile panel.
Ferocious Creatures Vase
Lustre earthenware double gourd shaped vase. Decorated with ferocious creatures on a cream ground.
Studies of hands associated with ‘Victoria Dolorosa’ and ‘St Christina’
Seven hand studies in pastel on a single sheet of green paper. Associated with 'Victoria Dolorosa', hands holding ring.
Compositional study for ‘1914’
This is a compositional study for an oil painting, painted by Evelyn at the outbreak of World War I. The picture is filled with foreboding and was described by the artist as The threatening horror dawning on Peace and Plenty. The work depicts two female figures, dressed in classical attire, being threatened by a devilish spirit. In the final painting the symbolic attributes of corn and laurel leaves are added, making it apparent the two figures are allegorical representations of peace and plenty. However, in reflection of the predicted suffering which will come, following the announcement of the outbreak of war, Plentys corn is reduced to a single sheaf and Peaces laurel wreath has been ripped from her neck.
Lux in Tenebris
After Evelyn and WIlliam were married in 1887 she became particularly close to her mother-in-law Sophia De Morgan. Sophia was heavily involved with Spiritualism and her interests influenced both of the artistic couple. One particular theme in Evelyn's work which developed from this new found involve...
Night and Sleep
Night floats through the evening sky, his red robes reminiscent of the sunset, and his billowing cloak darkening the sky behind him. He floats arm in arm with Sleep, who gently scatters poppies onto the earth beneath, from the armful of flowers that he has taken from his girdle. (The Victorians used...