We recently invited our Friends to join us for an Arts and Crafts evening, with some informative talks and the chance to look at some wonderful antiques alongside our permanent collection.
We kicked off the evening with a glass of bubbly and a browse of the gallery and our temporary Teepee Glass exhibition – on a blustery November evening, we think there’s no better place to be than the warm, glowing surroundings of the De Morgan Centre!
Moorcroft Pottery
Once everybody was suitably warmed up we enjoyed some talks from decorative arts expert Eric Knowles, and glass expert and Central St Martins tutor Caroline Swash. Eric entertained us with the history of the Moorcroft pottery, providing an interesting contrast to the working practices of William De Morgan and his modest studio. Caroline then discussed the evidence that the Arts and Crafts Movement continues today, and emphasized the importance of investing in culture and craftspeople. She led with some very inspiring quotes from William Morris: “…I do not want art for a few; any more than education for a few; or freedom for a few…”
The evening was co-hosted by Patch Rogers, Arts and Crafts dealer and curator at Libertys. Patch bought along some wonderful Arts and Crafts-era furniture, jewellery and decorative objects, including an oak Abingwood armchair and a charming Liberty inkwell – we were quite taken with all of it!
Arts and Crafts inkwell in pewter with red ceramic well, Liberty & Co, circa 1900
It was wonderful to enjoy the company of glass and antiques experts in such a cosy and intimate environment, and it’s always rewarding to get together with the Friends who do so much to support the De Morgan Foundation and make our work possible. We hope everyone enjoyed it as much as we did!
If you’d like to support the De Morgan Foundation and receive invitations to future events, please consider becoming a Friend of De Morgan.
