Cinderella Panel

Designerdesigned by Edward Burne-Jones (British, 1833 - 1898)

Maker Morris and Company (London, British, 1861 - 1940)

Illustrator Lucy Faulkner (British, 1839 - 1910)

Collections

ClassificationsDECORATIVE ARTS

Date1862-1865

Mediumoverglaze polychrome decoration on tin-glazed earthenware Dutch blanks; ebonized oak frame

Dimensions28 1/2 x 55 3/4 x 2 3/8 in. (71.8 x 141.6 x 6 cm.)

DescriptionThis tile panel includes twelve tiles illustrating six scenes from the fairytale of Cinderella. Each panel has a daisy border, with an echo of this on the black frame in the form of a row of daisies along the top. The six scenes are in two rows of three with the top row illustrating the sisters preparing for the ball; Cinderella weeping in the kitchen at left, with the Fairy Godmother entering through a door at the right; Cinderella meeting the Prince at the ball. The bottom row shows the Prince running after Cinderella, as she leaves her shoe behind; a herald proclaiming the Prince's search for the owner of the slipper; and Cinderella's foot fitting the shoe.

Signedat right on l.l. panel "LF"

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

Status

On view

Label TextDecorative tiles were one of the earliest media that William Morris and his business partners mastered. The tiles were painted by Morris, Faulkner, and Faulkner's sisters in addition to workmen employed by the firm. With their simple backgrounds and medieval costume, they show Morris's interest in the art of the Middle Ages, which he felt to be purer than that of his own time. Originally designed to ornament a fireplace, the Cinderella tiles were also framed to display as a picture. The frame surrounding this set of tiles is decorated with daisies to match the borders around each scene.

Object number2000.5.1872