Artist: De Morgan, William
Object Number: C_WDM_0235
Date: 1872 - 1907
Category: Ceramic, Tile Panel, Tin-glazed Earthenware, and Wightwick Manor
Material: Tin-glazed Earthenware
Dimensions: Width 650 mm, Height 190 mm, Depth 44 mm
Description:

Framed tile panel consisting of letters spelling W De Morgan. Designed as a shop sign for his Great Marlborough street store, circa 1886
After De Morgan moved to Merton (1882) he retained the Showroom in Chelsea until 1886. He then took premises at 45 Great Marlborough Street (1886-1899), formerly the house of Mrs Siddons. His pottery was displayed in what had once been a large ball-room on the ground floor. Evelyn and William often socialised at the store holding regular open houses on Sunday afternoons, serving tea from De Morgan rose coloured cups.

We know that the following pieces were brought by Pitt Rivers from the store:
7 June 1891 ‘Bought of William de Morgan & Co. 45 Great Marlborough Street W … Persian painted vase blue and green. 16 ins high’ £5
53. Add.9455vol3_p741 /3: date as above ‘ Bought of William de Morgan & Co. 45 Great Marlborough Street W … Plate coloured yellow, blue and red 9 ins diam’ 15/-
54. Add.9455vol3_p741 /4: date as above ‘Bought of William de Morgan & Co. 45 Great Marlborough Street W … Plate, coloured blue, green and copper Irridiscent [sic] 8 ins diameter’ 10/-
55. Add.9455vol3_p741 /7: date as above ‘Bought of de Morgan … Irridiscent [sic] vase, blue, red and yellow 10 1/2 ins high £1’ £1
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