| Object Number: | P_WDM_0003 | |
| Date: | 1855 - 1872 | |
| Category: | Cannon Hall, Oil on canvas, and Paintings | |
| Material: | Oil on canvas |
William knew from a young age that he wanted to be an artist. This self-portrait was painted before he had any art training.
Against the wishes of his father, the famous mathematician Augustus De Morgan, William had lessons at Cary’s art school, from the age of 19. He trained to draw antique sculpture in order that he would earn a place at the Royal Academy Schools. William’s drawings from this period are exceptional.
William entered the Royal Academy Schools in 1859. However, he completed just four out of the mandatory eight years required to become a Royal Academician. Instead, he began a career in decorative arts by making stained glass alongside William Morris, who was a lifelong friend, before setting up the ceramic business in 1872.
Conserved in 2019 with the aid of a grant from the AIM Pilgrim Trust Conservation Scheme