Important Arts and Crafts Tiles at Duke's

William De Morgan's name is a magical one amongst collectors of arts and crafts ceramics, with his rich Islamic inspired glazes and bold floral patterns, his work is rightly considered to be the finest of the period. Similarly enticing is the name of Sir Ernest Debenham, the last member of the Debenham family to be associated with the famous department store that still bears the family name. Ernest Debenham was also a member of parliament and widely remembered for his paternalistic and caring approach to his staff, often assisting them with healthcare costs and education wherever possible. Debenham was also a great supporter of the arts and was one of the leading patrons of the arts and crafts movement, enabling some of the best designers of the period to create their best work.

Debenham House in Holland Park was the London home of the family until the 1940's, designed by leading architect Halsey Ricardo the house has a striking green tiled roof, and is built in a strikingly decorative style, the interiors are lavishly decorated with bright mosaic ceilings and numerous De Morgan tiles which include some of the finest ceramic tile panels William De Morgan's workshop ever created. The interiors are decorated with such typical De Morgan subjects as peacocks, flowers, eagles and similar subjects.

Debenham house has been for a variety of purposes in recent years, including being used as a set for various films and a recent episode of the BBC series Spooks. Recently offered for a sale that makes it one of London's most expensive residential properties, this property is one of the Arts and Crafts periods greatest gems.

Dukes of Dorchester are delighted to be offering a section of one of the tile panels from the house, measuring 18 x 22 inches the panel features typical William De Morgan style flowers set in fan patterns around Persian style buds. Tile panels of this type are always enormously popular with collectors and are considered amongst the best of William De Morgan's work, and to have a tile panel from one of the finest arts and crafts house of the period is most exciting.

Duke's auctioneer Guy Schwinge commented "This must be one of the most exciting examples of William De Morgan's work to come to the market in many years. To offer a section of one of the remarkable tile panels from Debenham house for sale in our auction on February 9th will be very exciting"

The tile panel will be included in Duke's auction on February 9th and could make several thousand pounds. Viewing for the auction will begin on February 4th, further details can be obtained on 01305 265080 or online at www.dukes-auctions.com