Venus Looking Glass

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.