William (England) de Morgan, ceramics

Englishman William De Morgan (1839 - 1917) was at different stages of his life an artist, potter and writer. He studied at the Royal Academy and was influenced by the designs of William Morris and Edward Burne-Jones. As an artist his endeavours lay in the design of stained glass windows, and it was not until 1872 that he turned to ceramics, opening a pottery in Chelsea, London. In 1888 in partnership with others, he opened another pottery in Fulham, London. His art pottery is characterised by his use and mastery of glazes, and use of bold colours such as green, blue, yellow and red in Persian and Moorish designs. Morgan retired from the business in 1905, which had declined due to his absences abroad due to ill health, and the business closed in 1907. After his retirement Morgan became a writer and published seven novel before his death in 1917.