We all know of William Morris's iconic wallpaper and fabric patterns. Even if they are not 'your thing' you probably will have seen them, for they have become a symbol of a sort of representative of late Victorian/ early Edwardian British taste. Think Arts and Crafts movement and that slightly wistful harkening to an idyllic bucolic/sylvan past.
The outside dining area and gift shop
Well, Kelmscott Manor is where Morris had his country home, and visiting it on a lovely June day, brought together all those romantic ideas of an ideal country lifestyle that we lovingly cling to in this country. I had visited many years ago when finding it was quite difficult, and I think you had to book in advance with the Society of Antiquaries in London. I seem to recall that it was only open one day a week for a very limited number of weeks a year. Thankfully, things are a lot easier now if you wish to visit, and in my opinion it well worth a visit. You can find details here Home - Kelmscott Manor. Back in the day, there was no booking office, cafe or gift shop, and I am sure that there were fewer rooms on view.
The rear view of the house
The house was bought by William Morris and Dante Gabriel Rosetti as their retreat from London. It was supposed to ease tensions between Morris, his wife Jane Morris, and Rosetti. The precise relationship between Jane Morris and Rosetti is debatable, but a relationship there certainly was.
The famous 'Blue Dress' picture of Jane Morris, by Dante Gabriel Rosetti.
May Morris, the famous embroiderer lived here quite a lot. There are many famous embroideries worked by William, Jane and May. It's not a place I really think writing about is very helpful - it's a visual and atmospheric place. You really need to go if you can.
Hopefully my pictures give you some idea of why I find it such a special place.
The bedspread embroidered by Jane Morris. Extremely fine silk work mainly in satin stitch, long and short stitch, stem stitch and chain stitch.
