Wolverhampton Art Gallery has announced the opening of Painted Dreams: Evelyn De Morgan, an exhibition celebrating the remarkable work of Evelyn De Morgan (1855-1919).

This exhibition marks the return of De Morgan’s significant works to Wolverhampton after 117 years, faithfully recreating her 1907 solo show, a groundbreaking event for a female artist at that time.

Running from 19 October 2024 to 9 March 2025, Painted Dreams showcases over 30 works. The exhibition offers an in-depth look at De Morgan’s artistic journey, from her formative education and early exhibitions to her deep inspiration from the Italian Renaissance masters such as Botticelli.

This exhibition connects contemporary audiences with historical artworks while exploring enduring social issues such as feminism, inequality, mental health, and the impact of war. Visitors will have the chance to witness De Morgan’s unique approach to these themes through her art, underscoring her relevance today.

Curated by Sarah Hardy, Director of the De Morgan Museum, and Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Painted Dreams recreates De Morgan’s 1907 solo show as authentically as possible; utilising surviving correspondence between De Morgan and the Gallery’s Director at the time, J.J. Brownsword, along with original reviews and exhibition catalogue.

Local artist Paul Francis-Walker has painstakingly recreated three lost works (Victoria Dolorosa, Mercy and Truth, and Spear of Ithuriel) following De Morgan’s artistic process, adding a layer of contemporary craftsmanship to the exhibit.

Born into an affluent London family, Evelyn De Morgan pursued her passion for art against societal expectations. Studying at the Slade School of Art, she excelled in figure drawing and later travelled to Italy to study Renaissance masterpieces. Her works often depict mythological themes and address contemporary social issues such as inequality and mental health.

De Morgan’s decision to use her unisex middle name, Evelyn, rather than her given name, Mary, highlights the gender biases of her time. This choice allowed her work to be judged on merit alongside her male peers. Her journey from private education to public acclaim in art demonstrates her determination and talent in a male-dominated field.

The 1907 exhibition at Wolverhampton Art Gallery was a milestone in De Morgan’s career, featuring some of her most impressive paintings, such as Flora (1894) and The Storm Spirits (1900). During a visit to London, Brownsword was captivated by the paintings of Evelyn De Morgan at the studio home she shared with her ceramic designer husband, William De Morgan. This encounter led to a solo exhibition request, resulting in the largest and most comprehensive showcase of her career.

Despite prevailing gender biases and the exhibition's location outside the capital, De Morgan’s work was praised by the few who reviewed it. One reviewer from the Wolverhampton Express and Star described her paintings as having “the faces of our dreams” and complimented her “gift of colour.”

Jean McMeakin, Chair, De Morgan Trustee Board, said: “We are delighted to bring back this exhibition to Wolverhampton just over a century after its premiere in the city. It charts Evelyn De Morgan’s development as an artist and includes many of her most famous and best-loved paintings.  

“The exhibition not only illuminates her talent, her inspirations and her influences, but in so doing, her inner thoughts, social and ethical values are also revealed. It is a great opportunity to get to know De Morgan and her world.”

The works on display in Painted Dreams are generously on loan from the Trustees of the De Morgan Foundation, ensuring that this significant exhibition is accessible to all.

Painted Dreams: Evelyn De Morgan opens on Saturday, 19 October 2024, and runs until Sunday 9 March 2025. The exhibition is free to the public. For more information, visit wolverhamptonart.org.uk. 

Photo credit: © Trustees of the De Morgan Foundation