The Arts and Crafts ideal of reeducating craftsmen in handworking
techniques led to the establishment of guilds, exhibitions, lectures, and
art school programs, all of which led to an increased interest in handcrafts.
William de Morgan, a potter, came to be a major figure in the Arts and Crafts
Movement in England. He began as a stained glass designer for William Morris
and Co. but he was not so successful at this, finding himself more interested
in ceramics, especially glaze formulation and testing. He set up a studio
in Chelsea in 1871. His first designs were for fireplace tile, a market
dominated by Doulton. He had no interest in actually making his own tile,
preferring instead to buy 'blanks' that he could hand decorate. He rejected
factory production, and learned how to use the potter's wheel. He was inspired
by the designs used by William Morris' in his tapestries and carpets, birds,
flora, and fauna in the Persian style. He became friends with Morris and
sold his designs through his showroom. This large vase (40" height)
thrown by de Morgan has a surface design of mythological sea serpents and
dragons in what he called 'Persian' colors under a clear glaze.
'Persian Vase,' by William de Morgan
Earthenware with underglaze design, ht. 40", 1882
