William De Morgan: Sublime Symmetry

Beautiful exhibition at the Guildhall Art Gallery looking at how William de Morgan used mathematics in the design of his ceramics.

OK I admit on the surface this sounds a bit dull but it was beautifully presented and well explained and a good excuse to look at lots of lovely William de Morgan ceramics! De Morgan’s father was the first professor of Mathematics at UCL and is brother was also a mathematician.

 
There was a good section looking at how he used repeat patterns on tiles and the maths of making these work.  Also a section on how the logic of numbers creates a balanced pattern. I didn’t quite understand the section at the end looking at the London Mathematical Society other than that his father and brother were founders of it and the society along with the De Morgan Foundation had organised the show.
 
There were some stunning pieces in the show. I loved seeing a plate alongside the drawn design for it and some of the tiles for the P&O liners. My favourite piece was vase with a very clever design of fishes caught in a fishing net.
 
Closes on 28 October 2018
 
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