Object of the month for February 2010

Tiger and snake tile by William de Morgan, c.1880.

To celebrate Chinese New Year and the forthcoming Year of the Tiger this tile
featuring a striking image of a tiger alongside a tree dwelling snake from our
decorative arts stores has recently been placed on display in our galleries at Museum
of London Docklands for a limited time.

William de Morgan was one of London’s leading art and crafts potters in the late 19th
century. In 1869, he began decorating tiles in the basement of his house in Fitzroy
Square. In 1872 he set up a pottery in Chelsea and then moved to Merton Abbey in
1888. Tiles production was a speciality of De Morgan. Many designs were produced
with floral, bird and animal patterns. Some had lustre decoration.

William de Morgan was a friend of William Morris. Seen by many as one of the most
innovative ceramic artists of the arts and crafts movement in the late 19th century,
this de Morgan tile was displayed in a Museum of London exhibition in 2001 which
told the story of London’s artistic “Creative Quarters” from 1700 through to 2000.

Other initiatives taking place at Museum of London Docklands marking Chinese New
Year include a series of film showings, tea tastings, performances and workshops
throughout February including two special days of activities for adults and families on
the 13th and 21st February respectively which includes free museum entry (a
museum entry charge for adults normally applies).

Museum of London Docklands galleries can also provide you with an insight into over
300 years of Chinese community history in East London and details the trade
between China and London that saw Tea Clippers racing across oceans to be the
first to deliver the latest crop of tea to London.

Find out more about the creative work of London’s commercial artists and events
taking place at both Museums at www.museumoflondon.org.uk .