The Red House, Bexleyheath.

The Red House.

This was built by/for William Morris and his wife Jane, to his exremely exacting specifications. His many artistic friends, Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Edward Burne-Jones amongst them, applied their eclectic skills to make this house a beautiful one-off masterpiece.  After Morris left, the house has passed through many subsequent owners, some of whom removed or obscured valuable murals (see second extra). The National Trust is doing its best to restore where possible. 

There are other houses of his to see, eg Kelmscott Manor.  Plus many of his works of art are on show in galleries across the world, so the house does seem a little empty. However the brilliant guide brought it to life, with fascinating history, not just of the art but of the great times Morris and his friends had there!

Willaim and Jane appear on the first extra at the back as bride and groom.