A Marriage of Arts & Crafts: Evelyn & William De Morgan is just the first major exhibition of a year devoted to Pre-Raphaelite Art at the Delaware Art Museum.
Through February 19 only, the Delaware Art Museum showcases the paintings and ceramics of two underrecognized yet influential artists, Evelyn and William De Morgan. The visually stunning show kicked off DelArt’s Year of Pre-Raphaelites, a celebration of the Museum’s significant British Pre-Raphaelite art collection and special events and exhibitions that expand its story.
A Marriage of Arts & Crafts: Evelyn & William De Morgan, on view for the next two weeks, shares the richly symbolic Pre-Raphaelite paintings of Evelyn De Morgan and the brilliantly colored tiles, pots and plates of her husband, William. The exhibition has been heralded for “highlighting overlooked aspects of Pre-Raphaelite art and treading beyond typical gender hierarchies.” The show closes with “Paintings, Pots, and Patrons,” a talk by Curator Emerita Margaretta Frederick on February 19 at 2 p.m.
The Delaware Art Museum is home to the most comprehensive Pre-Raphaelite collection on display outside of the United Kingdom, a collection celebrated throughout 2023. “We’re calling this the Year of Pre-Raphaelites, and we can’t wait to share the masterpieces, exhibitions, and programs celebrating this rich period of art history,” shares Executive Director Molly Giordano.
DelArt’s Year of Pre-Raphaelites continues in the spring and summer with a series of talks before the debut of The Rossettis in October, a major exhibition organized in partnership with Tate Britain. Showcasing over 100 works from international public and private collections, the Delaware Art Museum is the only U.S. venue for The Rossettis, already named a “Must-See Exhibition of 2023.”
This exhibition was organized by the DeMorgan Foundation. This exhibition is made possible through support from the Nathan Clark Foundation, the Amy P. Goldman Foundation, and the Dr. Lee MacCormick Edwards Charitable Foundation. This organization is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com.
About the Delaware Art Museum
For over 100 years, the Museum has served as a primary arts and cultural institution in Delaware. It is alive with experiences, discoveries, and activities to connect people with art and with each other. Originally created in 1912 to honor the renowned illustrator and Wilmington-native, Howard Pyle, the Museum’s collection has grown to over 12,000 works of art in our building and sculpture garden. Also recognized for British Pre-Raphaelite art, the Museum is home to the most comprehensive Pre-Raphaelite collection on display outside of the United Kingdom, and a growing collection of significant contemporary art.
Under the leadership of our Board of Trustees, the Delaware Art Museum is implementing a comprehensive approach to community and civic engagement. This exciting new strategic direction requires that we increase our value and relevance to all audiences. Visit delart.org to for the latest exhibitions, programs, and performances or connect with us via social media.
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: A Marriage of Arts & Crafts: Evelyn & William De Morgan
WHERE: Delaware Art Museum, 2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, DE 19803
WHEN: On view through February 19
INFO: delart.org
Image: Evelyn De Morgan, Flora (detail), 1894. Oil on canvas. De Morgan Collection, Courtesy of the De Morgan Foundation.