William De Morgan

Date of Birth: November 16, 1839

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: January 15, 1917

Biography

William Frend De Morgan was an English ceramic artist, designer, and novelist, best known for his contributions to the Arts and Crafts Movement. Born into an intellectual family, De Morgan’s father was a noted mathematician and his mother was a social reformer. He attended the Royal Academy Schools, where he initially trained as a painter, but found his true passion in ceramics. Collaborating with the renowned designer William Morris, De Morgan developed a distinctive style characterized by intricate designs and rich colors, heavily influenced by medieval and Islamic art. In the 1870s, De Morgan established his own pottery business in Chelsea, where he began experimenting with glazes and firing techniques. His work gained recognition for its innovation and craftsmanship, and he became a leading figure in the revival of traditional pottery techniques. Later in life, De Morgan turned to writing, producing a series of successful novels that further cemented his reputation as a versatile and creative individual.

5 Interesting Facts about William De Morgan

1. William De Morgan was a close friend and collaborator of William Morris, a central figure in the Arts and Crafts Movement.

2. De Morgan’s tiles and pottery are highly collectible today, with examples held in major museums such as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

3. He was also an accomplished novelist, and his books were popular in both Britain and the United States.

4. De Morgan’s ceramics are known for their distinctive lustre glazes, which he perfected after years of experimentation.

5. He was a pioneer in the revival of traditional pottery techniques, combining them with modern innovations to create unique and timeless pieces.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from William De Morgan

1. “Art is eternal, but life is short.”

2. “The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.”

3. “Beauty is the first test: there is no permanent place in the world for ugly mathematics.”

4. “Every artist was first an amateur.”

5. “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his career, William De Morgan achieved a net worth equivalent to approximately £50,000 in today’s currency, a significant sum for an artist of his time.