The De Morgan Museum is delighted to announce the successful acquisition of the captivating portrait ‘Winifred Bulwer’ by Evelyn De Morgan. This stunning oil painting, created in 1880, shows the artist’s young cousin Winifred Bulwer, during one of their family holidays at Cannon Hall. This artwork is a unique example of De Morgan’s seldom-seen portraiture.
We are thrilled to share this significant achievement, made possible through your generous support and grants from the Art Fund and the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund, who recognised the importance of this painting for the De Morgan Museum at Cannon Hall, its audiences, and researchers. Thanks to these contributions, we have successfully secured ‘Portrait of Winifred Bulwer’ for free public display at the De Morgan Museum, located at Cannon Hall in Barnsley.
Cannon Hall, a magnificent 16th-century mansion, holds historical significance as a place where both the artist and the sitter spent happy summers with their extended family. By displaying this portrait at Cannon Hall, we aim to enhance the understanding of Evelyn De Morgan’s full artistic range and contribute an essential piece to local history. The portrait will be showcased alongside scrapbooks of photographs and drawings that depict Winifred playing in the grounds of Cannon Hall, an activity still enjoyed by thousands of families today.
We are excited to announce that ‘Portrait of Winifred Bulwer’ will be available for public viewing starting from July 2023, ensuring that this masterpiece remains on display for all to enjoy in perpetuity.
We extend our gratitude to all those who supported our fundraising efforts to bring this remarkable artwork home. While we have achieved our goal, we still welcome any additional contributions to help us continue our mission of preserving and celebrating the legacy of Evelyn De Morgan.
Thank you for your support and generosity in making this acquisition and public display a reality. Your donations have played a crucial role in bringing this captivating portrait to its rightful place at Cannon Hall, where it can be appreciated by art enthusiasts and local families for generations to come.
