Object of the month

Each month we will feature a different object from the Museum's collections with a unique story to tell.

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 13 and 21 February respectively which includes free museum entry (a museum entry charge for adults normally applies,kids go FREE all year round).

Our galleries at Museum of London Docklands 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 our events for Chinese New Year