William Morris’ Wallpapers
Page 3
The rose border at Red House
Privately owned for many years, Red House has been recently purchased by the National Trust in England to preserve it and open it to the public. They are actively researching how they will restore this iconic residence.
Red House, Bexleyheath, near London, England. Built in 1859 for William Morris, and designed by Philip Webb, architect (1831-1915)
“Red House” where Morris lived from 1859 to 1865, was decorated with murals and stenciling in a Medieval style, according to Morris’ and Webb’s interests and design preferences.
Those preferences became more evident as Morris and his colleagues developed their business and made their products commercially available.
Morris’s interiors, usually designed by his firm of Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. – “Fine Art Workmen” which was established in 1861 with six partners. The “Firm” was to produce high quality decorative work by hand on a commercial basis. Stained glass, furniture, frescoes and embroideries were produced during this period. In 1874, the firm was reorganized under the name “Morris & Co.” A prolific period of designing took place in the 1870′s and 1880′s with Morris’ designs appealing to enthusiasts of the Arts & Crafts movement. Simpler interior design was becoming fashionable, based on natural patterns and materials.
