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.

MORE CLOSURES - THE GWYNNEDD MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY UNDER THREAT

The Museum in Bangor, the oldest Museum in north Wales, is also threatened with closure in Christmas 2008.  The Museum was founded in 1884 by the University in Bangor with the intention of collecting objects relating to the history of the area.  However in 1989 it announced that it could no longer fund the Museum.  The Friends were formed and the Gwynedd Museums Service took over the running of the Museum.  The Gwynedd Council have now, in their ultimate wisdom, decided that for the sake of a mere £60,000 they will withdraw their support.  This is a wonderfully vibrant, friendly museum which already relies heavily on voluntary work from the Friends of the Museum.  They have furniture, artefacts, history of the area and the building of the two bridges linking the town with Anglesey, modern art and a substantial collection of Frank Brangwyn's work and the largest known collection of his father's work - Brangwyn actually gave these collections to the University shortly before his death in the mistaken belief that they would be properly cared for and appreciated.  Jeremy Yates RCA discovered, despite the reluctance of the University authority, some truly wonderful works in the Brangwyn collection at the University which ultimately led to the excellent exhibition mounted by the museum in 2006 and which has subsequently toured northern Wales and Lancashire since, to great acclaim.  Now apparently all these works will be moth-balled.  The aim of the Council: 'To protect the heritage, promote the culture of the area and promote the use of the Welsh language' has conveniently been forgotten - for the sake of £60,000.

To find out more and sign the petition go to: www.savegwyneddmuseum.org.uk

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

Best viewed at 1024 x 768 or more. This site was created by Graham and Libby Horner. Bear with us if things don't go right on your screen, and please let us know if you have problems.

Last updated 14/5/2007 - HOME and EXHIBITIONS