One surprise that hadn't been on the original itinerary for the retreat was the opportunity to go to Kelmscott Manor, William Morris' house. Most of you have probably seen William Morris' work, even if you don't recognize his name. He was a pre-Raphaelite artist, at the head of the Arts and Crafts movement in the 19th century. He designed tapestries, fabric prints, wallpaper, tiles, stained glass, wood engraving, etc. He also wrote poetry. His wallpaper and fabric designs are making a comeback in popularity...though I supposed fewer people are picking up his tapestry kits...Haha! He's a great example of an artist who wasn't satisfied with just one medium or creating a niche in only one talent. He said, "If a chap can't compose an epic poem while he's weaving tapestry...he'll never do any good at all." It sounds like he regularly had multiple projects going on simultaneously.
The reason going to his home is so significant is that he thought the home itself should be a work of art. He is the one who said this quote which now floats around the internet, "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
I personally find his personal life and the moral decisions of his family and close community to be depressing, but his art remains beautiful. It was so special to see his home, his masterpiece in many ways. In his mind, art shouldn't be isolated to museums or homes of the rich. It should be available to all in the day to day. "The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life."
The green sitting room, where the women of the family would work on embroidery and tapestry, was lovely. I stepped in and sighed. It felt so restful and homey. Then I read a note that said William had designed the room and especially the green colors to be restful. He achieved it!
In Jane Morris' bedroom is a large four poster bed. William Morris created a design for a tapestry which Jane executed (both the bed curtains and the bedspread). Oh, William also composed the poem around the top. Jane signed her name in the corner of the bedspread.
Each room had beautiful wall paper or curtains or tile work designed by William or his artist community. There was also a lot of beautiful woodwork, either furniture or built into the house itself.
You can reach the attic through a "witches' staircase", used to save space. The attic had multiple bedrooms in the gables for children or visiting workmen with two large open spaces for work or play. The beam work was beautiful even in this less adorned area of the house.
There were also a few outbuildings and pretty gardens to enjoy. Even the hops in the brewing house were arranged artistically and there were very happy ferns growing on the roof.
Even the hops were beautiful!
Notice the happily growing ferns on the roof
I'm thankful for this unexpected treat!
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