A couple of weeks ago I had the chance to take a visit to William Morris's Red House. Having been to Kelmscot Manor several years ago I was intrigued to see this iconic house nestled in the middle of Kent's suburban landscape.
The Red House in Bexley is William Morris's first house Commissioned by Morris and designed by Philip Webb in 1859. The furniture and other household artefacts were also designed by both some of which are on display inside the house.
For the past 10years The National Trust has owned it and are working hard to restore it back to it's original vision.
The garden is going to be slowly changed back to it's Arts and Crafts style as it was originally divided into outside rooms a traditional layout for gardens during this time. Sissinghurst and Hidcot Manor are prime examples of this particular style.
There is currently work taking place upstairs as some wall paintings have recently been discovered behind the paintwork. Revealing more of an insight into how these rooms would have been used during this period and Morris's time at the Red House.
The red brickwork is outstanding and this continues inside throughout the large impressive fireplaces. Made with Rubber Red bricks these low fired bricks were sanded into beautiful soft rounded forms creating a focal point within the rooms.
The stained glass was designed by and Burne - Jones
Paintings recently discovered in the rooms upstairs. It has been understood that these rooms were used for studio spaces. Where ideas and designs were developed by painting directly on the surface of the walls.
This work is in full flow so it's possible to watch this painstaking process taking place during the visit and every member of staff is very excited to talk about the work and the findings that are being uncovered on a daily basis.
