William Frend De Morgan (1839-1917) was one of the most inventive and innovative craftsmen of the English Arts & Crafts movement. Largely remembered today for his collaboration with William Morris, De Morgan transformed 19th century English ceramics with his luster glazes and dramatic depictions of everything from Medieval galleons to fantastic creatures. The Glessners chose several De Morgan designs for their Prairie Avenue home, including two sets of fireplace tiles, a galleon tile triptych, and a large loop-handled vase.

This online presentation was given by Sarah Hardy, curator-manager of the De Morgan Foundation in London. The collection was amassed by De Morgan’s sister-in-law, Wilhelmina Stirling, and bequeathed to the Foundation, which today cares for and interprets the large collection of ceramics, paintings, and other decorative arts by De Morgan, his wife Evelyn, and their contemporaries.