Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones

Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones
Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones (1833–1898), English, Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones, an eminent figure in the Pre-Raphaelite movement, was born on 28 August 1833 in Birmingham, England, to a Welsh frame-maker, Edward Richard Jones. Tragically, his mother, Elizabeth Jones, passed away just days after his birth, leaving him to be raised by his father and the family's housekeeper, Ann Sampson. Burne-Jones' early education took place at King Edward VI Grammar School and the Birmingham School of Art, followed by theological studies at Exeter College, Oxford. It was at Oxford that he forged a lifelong friendship with William Morris, united by their shared passion for poetry, which would later influence their collaborative ventures in the arts.
Burne-Jones' artistic journey was marked by his initial inspiration from Dante Gabriel Rossetti, evolving by the 1870s into a distinctive style that captivated the art world. His 1877 exhibition at the Grosvenor Gallery, featuring works like 'The Beguiling of Merlin,' positioned him as a leading figure in the Aesthetic Movement. Beyond painting, his collaboration with Morris in Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. showcased his versatility in designing decorative arts, including stained glass, ceramics, and tapestries. His stained glass designs, a testament to his mastery, adorn numerous churches across the UK and beyond, leaving a lasting legacy in the revival of 19th-century crafts. Burne-Jones' contribution to art and design remains celebrated, with his works continuing to inspire admiration for their beauty and craftsmanship.
  • St Dorothy

    St Dorothy

    Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones (English, 1833–1898)

    A young saint stands serene, her delicate hands cradling a basket of roses. The flowers spill over, their petals soft against her flowing robes. Light dances across the fabric, hinting at something divine in her quiet grace. Her gaze holds a mystery—both gentle and untouchable.

  • The Guardian Angel

    The Guardian Angel

    Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones (English, 1833–1898)

    A winged figure stands watch, draped in flowing robes, its gaze both tender and solemn. The angel’s presence feels like a whispered promise—protection unseen but unshaken. Light clings to its feathers, soft yet unyielding, as if the divine could be glimpsed in the stillness between breaths.

  • Witch’s Tree

    Witch’s Tree

    Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones (English, 1833–1898)

    A gnarled tree twists skyward, its branches clawing at the air. Beneath its shadow, a witch lingers—her presence both ominous and magnetic. The scene hums with quiet power, where myth and nature entwine in uneasy harmony. Something ancient stirs here, just beyond sight.

  • Portrait of Georgiana Burne-Jones

    Portrait of Georgiana Burne-Jones

    Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones (English, 1833–1898)

    Georgiana’s gaze holds a quiet intensity, her pale face framed by dark hair. The delicate lace at her throat contrasts with the rich folds of her dress, each brushstroke suggesting both strength and vulnerability. There’s an unspoken story in her stillness, a life beyond the canvas.

  • Golden Greeting

    Golden Greeting

    Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones (English, 1833–1898)

    A golden angel descends, wings outstretched, its luminous presence filling the space. The gilded figure seems to pause mid-motion, offering a silent blessing. Light clings to every fold of its robe, every feather—radiant against the muted tones behind it. A moment both solemn and sublime.

  • White Garden

    White Garden

    Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones (English, 1833–1898)

    A pale garden unfolds, where myth lingers among the blossoms. Figures move with quiet purpose, their robes brushing against white flowers. The air hums with unspoken stories, woven into the petals and the soft turn of a wrist. Something ancient stirs beneath the delicate surface.

  • Marvel of the World

    Marvel of the World

    Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones (English, 1833–1898)

    A golden figure emerges from swirling mist, draped in celestial robes. Myth and mystery intertwine as light dances across intricate patterns, hinting at divine secrets just beyond reach. The scene pulses with quiet power, drawing the viewer into its otherworldly glow.

  • Flower of God

    Flower of God

    Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones (English, 1833–1898)

    An angel kneels in golden light, cradling a luminous blossom. Its petals glow like stained glass, radiating divine warmth. The figure’s wings tremble slightly, as if the flower’s weight transcends mere physical form. Every brushstroke hums with quiet reverence—this isn’t just a flower, but sacred light given shape.

  • Venus Looking Glass

    Venus Looking Glass

    Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones (English, 1833–1898)

    A woman gazes into a glass, her reflection shimmering with divine light. The mirror holds not just her face, but something deeper—an otherworldly glow hinting at secrets beyond mortal sight. Myth and mystery blur in its surface, leaving the viewer to wonder what truth lies within that luminous frame.