William De Morgan

Known for his eye-catching tiles and gleaming lustre pots, William De Morgan (1839 – 1917) was one of the most innovative and imaginative designers of the 19th century. Influenced by Middle Eastern motifs and the natural world, he produced art pottery in a distinctive style that added beauty and colour to Victorian homes.

The V&A holds a collection of around 300 tiles, tile panels, vases and dishes by William De Morgan, dating from across his three main periods of production at his Chelsea, Merton Abbey and Fulham potteries. We also hold over 2000 of De Morgan's original designs in watercolour, held in our Prints and Drawings Study Room.

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Features

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William De Morgan – an introduction

Meet an imaginative and innovative 19th-century artist-potter

  1. Interact

    William De Morgan: master of Arts and Crafts tile design

    Bold, intricate and beautiful

Collection highlights

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  1. vase
    Vase, designed by William de Morgan, 1888 – 1898, England
    V&A South Kensington
    On display
  2. drawing
    Design for decoration and ornament for pottery and tile work, drawing, by William De Morgan, 1888 – 97, England
    V&A South Kensington
    Not on display
  3. dish
    Dish, by William De Morgan, about 1888 – 98, England
    V&A South Kensington
    On display
  4. tile
    BBB, tile, designed by William De Morgan, Fulham Factory, 1898, England
    V&A South Kensington
    On display
  5. tile panel
    Tile panel, designed by William De Morgan and William Morris, Architectural Pottery Co., 1876, England
    V&A South Kensington
    On display
  6. washstand
    Washstand, designed by Leonard F. Wyburd and William De Morgan, manufactured by Liberty & Co. Ltd. and William De Morgan, about 1894, London, England
    V&A South Kensington
    On display
  7. vase and cover
    Vase and cover, designed by William De Morgan, Fulham Factory, 1888 – 1898, England
    V&A South Kensington
    On display
  8. drawing
    Drawing, designed by William De Morgan, late 19th century, England
    V&A South Kensington
    View by appointment
  9. panel
    Panel, designed by William De Morgan, 1888 – 1897, Sands End Pottery, England
    V&A South Kensington
    On display
  10. dish
    Dish, designed by William De Morgan, Merton Abbey Factory, about 1885, England
    V&A South Kensington
    On display
  11. vase
    Vase, designed by William De Morgan, painted by Fred Passenger, Fulham Factory, 1888 – 1898, England
    V&A South Kensington
    On display
  12. drawing
    Drawing, designed by William de Morgan, England
    V&A South Kensington
    View by appointment
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the Lydia and Manfred Gorvy Lecture Theatre located within V&A South Kensington

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Header image:
Plate, earthenware with lustre decoration, designed by William De Morgan, painted by Charles Passenger, 1898 – 1907, Sands End, Fulham, England. Museum no. C.421-1919. Bequeathed by Mrs Mary Evelyn De Morgan. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London