The definitive Frank Brangwyn site, providing information about one of England's most talented designers, where to see his work, what to read about him and news of exhibitions. Academic rigour is the basis of the information provided, based on contemporary and primary sources. If you need more detailed information, just email Libby and she will try to assist. If you have any information to add or correct, extra details, anecdotes, lists of acquisitions, or have correspondence relating to Brangwyn please let us know - likewise if you want a link to your site, drop us a line.

100 images of Brangwyn's work from the Brangwyn Portfolio can be found in the Reproductions page.  Libby intends to add more illustrations in due course!

PLEASE HELP THE WILLIAM MORRIS GALLERY!

In 1935 Brangwyn, A H Mackmurdo and Walter Spradbery began purchasing and procuring works produced by Morris and his associates which were donated to the Borough of Walthamstow for the setting up of the William Morris Gallery, which was opened on 21 October 1950 by the Prime Minister and Socialist MP for Walthamstow, Clement Atlee.  The Gallery holds a unique collection of Arts and Crafts, together with a large collection of Brangwyn's own work, and holds a vital place in both education and research.  

The curator, Peter Cormack, a world authority on 19th and 20th century stained glass, was sacked at the end of 2007 after 30 years of working at the gallery and building up the collection and the reputation of this unique museum.  Opening hours have being slashed.  This is ill-informed, outrageous and tantamount to intellectual vandalism.

Brangwyn's concept for the Gallery was of 'a humble offering to the people [of Walthamstow] in the hope that they will enjoy art and remember Morris,' believing fervently that art should be available to all, regardless of wealth or station.  The people of Walthamstow are being denied this opportunity (let alone the wider population of the country and the tourists from all over the world).  Poor Frank Brangwyn would be turning in his grave.

An interesting sideline - the Gallery is the only cultural venue within javeline, jogging and jumping distance of the 2012 Olympic site but is not considered worthy of retaining.  However Tate Modern in central London is planning an extension to start 2009 for completion 2012 to coincide with the Olympics - and the cost?  A mere £200 million.  A further £150m is to be sunk or thrown at The Hill, dsecribed as 'a radical arts centre' on the South Bank, also planned to capture the Olympic crowds.  It will apparently  'combine the physical thrills of the adventure park with the sensory and mental stimulation which only the arts can offer'.  PERSPECTIVE?  Is there any? 

If you disagree with the proposed closures and downgrading please send your protests to http://www.petitiononline.com/savewmg.  See also http://www.keepourmuseumopen.org.uk and http://www.antiscrap.co.uk.  

The Gallery is now open to the public for 4 hours Thursday and Friday afternoons and all day Saturday and Sunday.  Tuesdays and Wednesdays are reserved for group bookings.

Click here for links to related sites - Victoriana, Art History, Skinners' Company and more

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Last updated 14/5/2007 - HOME and REPRODUCTIONS