| Summary |
William Morris Rediscovered: Early Years at Red House is a comprehensive new study of Red House, Bexleyheath; the only house commissioned by William Morris and the first independent architectural work of his close friend, Philip Webb. Morris moved in to Red House as an ebullient young man of 26, with an independent income and a head brimming with ideas and the persistent question of 'how best to live?' Red House, together with its Pre-Raphaelite garden, stands as the physical embodiment of his exuberant spirit, youthful ambition, passionate medievalism, creativity and great sense of possibility. For five intense years from 1860-5, it was a place of halcyon days - happy family life, loyal friendship, humoured competition, and the jovial campaign of decorating; furnishing the house and designing the garden to meet his emergent taste for strong colour, complex pattern making and medieval inspired furniture and garderns. Recent research has revealed that the original decorative finishes have survived to a surprising degree, providing tantalising glimpses and in several instances of 1860-5. Drawing on a wealth of new physical evidence, this book will argue that Red House constitutes an ambitious and critical chapter in his design history which reveals Morris's early confidence and artistic breadth through his little-known, experimental aesthetic. It wil re-consider the inspiration it provided for the founding of 'the Firm' of Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. (later Morris & Co.), in 1861, and the vital collaboration of Webb, Burne-Jones, Rossetti and their intimate circle in realising Morris's dream for his house. |
