Saturday 11 June 2011

The Red House

A colourful day-watching the trooping of the colour this morning, then visiting the Red House this afternoon. William Morris lived in this house for five years in his twenties. He had it built when he got married, and it was designed by his friend Philip Webb, in collaboration with Morris. There is so much interesting information about him and this house. I have been reading all about him tonight in a book I have had for years and never really looked at properly. He was a man who was interested in so many different types of decorative arts and crafts, and set out to learn to do as many as he could, as well as this he was a poet, and translator of Icelandic sagas. So much more too. He was truly impressive. His motto was 'si je puis', meaning 'if I can' and he certainly lived up to this.
The house is lovely, as is the garden. The guided tour was good and the cake in the tea shop exemplary! I have meant to go there for ages as it is only about 15 minutes away in Bexleyheath.
As well as being a good outing, the visit also provided some great shadows. Visit Hey Harriet here for more.









15 comments:

Ralph said...

I like the many circles and arcs here – from the circular windows to the trellis arch outside. Impressive is the staircase, with the rich paneling and shadows, too. It would be nice if we could replicate the styling details of an artist’s house/museum in our home, although the costs might be prohibitive. Ah, to dream…

Leenie said...

It looks like a fascinating place, Sarah. I really like the lighting and shadows on the staircase and the freckles of light under the trellis.

forgetmenot said...

Sounds like a lovely house to tour. Very nice reflection and shadow shots. Mickie :)

Unknown said...

What a great place, I love the staircase it looks very ghostly with the sunshine and the shadows. The gardens are gorgeous.

Stef said...

I love the greenness of the garden. Nice share! Here's my shadow post for today. See you around!

Magical Mystical Teacher said...

A bright path on the shadowy stairs--worth following, it seems!


SHADOWY DINNER

A shadow, a shadow, a shadow you say?
A shadow is coming to dinner today?

Oh, what shall we feed it, and what will it eat?
Just toss down a few rays of light at its feet,

And watch its dark mouth gobble up every ray,
But be sure, my friend, you don’t get in its way;

Keep out of the light so it won’t gobble you.
(If I were the hostess, that’s just what I’d do.)

A shadow is easy to feed, so they say,
So welcome your shadow to dinner today.


© 2011 by Magical Mystical Teacher

Shadows here and there

Anonymous said...

Lots of excellent shadow shots. I will have to put the house on my list of places to visit!

jabblog said...

Lovely photos. I like the circular windows and the shady green tunnel.

Anonymous said...

i like the windows!

snoopydogknits said...

Love the windows and the woody arbor shots! Fab shadows. Have a good week. Ros

Anonymous said...

It looks like a really nice place!

Tracy said...

Oh, I would love to see this place! I've long admired William Morris and his aethetics. Thanks for taking us there... That last parting shot is beautiful... summer loveliness... Happy Week :o) ((HUGS))

Sam said...

How utterly gorgeous is that garden! What a great way to spend the weekend!

rebecca said...

the "summer room" arch!
breath taking!

Arija said...

The shadows in your green tunnel are a dream. Love the whole greenness.