Since this article was published, Helen Bratt Wyton has visited our Association with news of developments planned in 2026. The gallery will be closed in February and opened with a new display of the De Morgan’s work, in the summer.


In 2017 a new gallery was opened in the Old Malthouse at Wightwick Manor. WNTA made a donation of £10,000 which was part of a bequest from the estate of Miss Margaret Stanley, who was a member of our association until her death.
The gallery, which has easy access, displays ceramics by William De Morgan and paintings by his wife, Evelyn.
The first impression on entering, is the vibrancy of Evelyn’s paintings which are beautifully presented.
The most impressive painting was the magnificent painting of Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers. This is no longer on view as it went on loan to San Francisco and then into storage. It will return to Wightwick in the summer of 2025.

The Garden of Opportunity by Evelyn De Morgan

Evelyn was influenced by the style of the pre-Raphaelites and was a follower of Edward Burne-Jones.  She was a fiercely independent woman who, together with her husband, was a campaigner for women’s rights and suffrage.  Some of her paintings reflect the role of women.

William De Morgan’s pottery

William De Morgan’s pottery and tiles are equally well displayed in modern brightly lit cases.  Many of his pieces show ‘fantastical’ birds and other animals. He experimented with innovative glazes and firing techniques. His tiles are often based on medieval designs or Persian patterns. Galleons and fish were also popular motifs. Some tiles were planned to create intricate patterns when several tiles were laid together.

Tiles by William De Morgan

William and Evelyn were married in 1887, the same year that Wightwick was built.  Both were dedicated to creating beauty and promoting a better world. William created one of the defining styles of the art and craft movement and was a lifelong friend of William Morris. 
A quotation from a close family friend is displayed in the gallery: “It is indeed unusual to find two people, so gifted, so entirely in harmony in their art.
As a couple they viewed each other as equals in marriage and were supportive of each other’s art.

A large ‘thank you’ poster at the entrance of the gallery acknowledges the help of Walsall NTA and other local associations.

The exhibition, which is in partnership with the De Morgan Foundation, poses the question, “Did they make a better, more beautiful world?’ Go along to Wightwick and make up your own mind.
(Please check when the new display is open this summer)