On the 18th April we will be visiting the Red House, the Iconic Arts and Crafts home of William Morris – writer, artist, craftsman and socialist.
The only house commissioned, created and lived in by William Morris, founder of the Arts & Crafts movement, Red House is a building of extraordinary architectural and social significance. Designed by Philip Webb and completed in 1860, it was described by Edward Burne-Jones as ‘the beautifullest place on earth’. Acquired by the National Trust only 10 years ago, the rooms at Red House give a unique view of William Morris’ earliest designs and decorative schemes. Its secrets are slowly being revealed, conservation work in 2013 uncovered an unknown Pre-Raphaelite wall painting and a very early Morris repeating floral pattern. These original features and furniture by Morris and Philip Webb, stained glass and paintings by Burne-Jones, the bold architecture and a garden designed to ‘clothe the house’, add up to a fascinating and rewarding place to visit.
The house is only viewable in small groups, by guided tour. Please see below for arrangements we have made. If you have any questions, please contact Libby (secretary) via our email.
Please let Libby know by the end of 6th April if you wish to attend. We need to let the Red House know definite numbers. selhuginfo@gmail.com
General information
The guided tour of the house commences at 11.30 (second group at 12 o’clock if more than 12 of us attend)
We will assemble at the front of the house from around 11.15 onward; please arrive by 11.25.
The price is £7.20 for adults £3.60 for children – no concessions. (If there are 15 or more in our group we may get a discount adult price £6.20.)
Lunch
The cafe in the grounds serves soup and roll or pie (Higgedy- spinach and feta) or jacket potatoes. We have provisionally said that the group would lunch in the café. Sandwiches allowed in garden, so that’s an option if you don’t mind risking the rain.
Getting there
There are trains from Lewisham (also seeing calling points below) or Nunhead; the house is a 15 minute walk from Bexleyheath station.
10.38 Lewisham; 10.41 Blackheath; 10.44 Kidbrooke; 10.47 Eltham; 10.50 Falconwood; 10.52 Welling; 10.55 Bexleyheath
10.23 from Nunhead arrives at Bexleyheath at 10:48
There is the Number 89 bus from Blackheath via Shooters Hill Road, the bus stops nearer to the House (7 min walk). Departs Blackheath station 10:26 arriving Upton Broadway Stop BN 11:05
Contact number on the day: Libby Oakden: 0796 8823 944
