William Frend De Morgan (1839 - 1917)

William Frend De Morgan (16 November 1839 – 15 January 1917) was an English potter and tile designer. A lifelong friend of William Morris, he designed tiles, stained glass and furniture for Morris & Co. from 1863 to 1872. His tiles are often based on medieval designs or Persian patterns, and he experimented with innovative glazes and firing techniques. Galleons and fish were popular motifs, as were "fantastical" birds and other animals. Many of De Morgan's tile designs were planned to create intricate patterns when several tiles were laid together. William De Morgan later turned his hand to writing novels, and became better known than he ever had been for his pottery. His first novel, "Joseph Vance," was published in 1906. This was followed by "An Affair of Dishonour," "Alice-for-Short," and "It Never Can Happen Again."