2017 marks the 150th anniversary of the artist Frank Brangwyn and to celebrate the William Morris Gallery in London will be presenting an exhibition that looks at his love for Japan. 

On display from the 4th February, the exhibition will feature a number of  important Japanese paintings, prints, furniture and ceramics belonging to the personal collection of the Gallery’s founder Frank Brangwyn.

Many of the works from his collection will be displayed for the first time alongside examples of Brangwyn’s own work to explore the influence of Japanese art on his own work.

Sheer Pleasure will also bring to light Brangwyn’s relationship with Japanese artist Yoshijiro Urushibara, from when they first met in London and their collaborative print works, exploring their techniques through sketches, notes and ‘key block’ prints.

Visitors to the exhibition will be able to view some of the pair’s most successful work including The Devil’s Bridge(1924) and the ambitious Bruges series.

Brangwyn was an English painter and graphic artist who was an apprentice to William Morris and shared his belief that art should be as accessible as possible, later donating many of  his own works, along with his personal collection of Japanese art, to the founding collection of the William Morris Gallery.

Chris Robbins, Leader of Waltham Forest Council, which owns and manages the Gallery said: “The ‘Sheer Pleasure’ exhibition promises to be yet another thought-provoking experience for visitors to the Gallery, with many works being displayed publicly for the first time.”

Sheer Pleasure: Frank Brangwyn and the Art of Japan will be on display at the William Morris Gallery from the 4th February until the 14th May. For more information visit: http://www.wmgallery.org.uk/whats-on/exhibitions-43/sheer-pleasure/