I have been wanting to visit Wightwick Manor (pronounced "Wittick") for a long time. This wonderful Arts and Crafts house on the edge of Wolverhampton was owned by the Mander family and bequeathed to the National Trust in 1937. HERE is a link to more about its history and the Mander family.
I hardly need to say that Wolverhampton (on the outskirts of Birmingham) is a long way from Carmarthenshire. We set off about 7.45 and "my" route took us around Kidderminster which slowed us down a bit. Keith's route home (via Ludlow) was faster and took us through some lovely Shropshire countryside.
This is the drawing room, with a lovely grand piano with marquetry work, topped with three William de Morgan plates. The framed picture to the right is embroidered and has music notes in lines across it too. I was tickled by the little pelmet curtain across the front!
This lovely fireplace is an Italian Renaissance one of about 15590, lines with hand-painted de Morgan tiles. Fabulous brass Fire Dogs. (Vesey?)
One wall of the Library, with its beautiful tiled fireplace.
Another gorgeous fireplace with fire dogs. I disremember which room this was. Possibly the drawing room.
"Three stunners" - Rossetti's drawings above a mid-18th C dresser with another de Morgan plate just in view.
If you saw the programme recently on the Arts & Crafts House, these were the very fire irons that the artisans had tore-imagine in the Arts & Crafts House series on tv earlier this year. Rod, a bladesmith and metal worker, did a fabulous job on his.
This drawing upstairs took my eye - this lady had such a kind face. Pattypan - she reminds me a little of you.
A sumptious four poster bed with a lovely bed-cover worked by William Morris's talented needlewoman daughter, May. I asked our eldest daughter for a book about her textiles and it is brilliant.
Another guest room, the Acanthus Room, with William Morris wallpaper and a bed which was made around 1860 (either in England or Italy) re-using inlaid pieces of Italian marquetry, mother of pearl and ivory panels dating from c.1700.
In the same room two beautiful pictures - the one above by Burne-Jones and possibly the bottom one too. This top one is believed to be Julia Duckworth, who was Virginia Woolf's mother. The eyes were amazing.
The new header photo was taken last May in the Usk valley.
More memories for me. We visited there many years ago. Love the new header photo.
ReplyDeleteGlad I evoked some happy memories for you too Jill. The header photo is making me wish for May which is my favourite month.
DeleteLove the William Morris wall paper. Thanks for the great photos very interesting and inspiring.
ReplyDeleteMe too. When we move I would like some in a couple of rooms. Probably just one wall (judging by the price of the wallpaper!!) I love Strawberry Thief and Honeysuckle (and have a bag of William Morris fabric to make an Heirloom Quilt with - that was what my daughters bought for me last birthday).
DeleteFor seventeen years I lived about five minutes walk from Wightwick Manor and went often, so I can reinforce your opinion of just how beautiful it is. I enjoyed your pictures.
ReplyDeleteGosh, I've taken you down memory lane again Pat! I'm glad you were able to enjoy it in full when you lived there.
DeleteGosh that is such a beautiful place. over the top of course but everything is exquisite.
ReplyDeleteHah - high Victorian was even more OTT when you could hardly get across the room for furniture and "stuff"!! Exquisite is the word - it was just stunning.
DeleteWhat an amazing place, love those tiles
ReplyDeleteIf it were nearer, we would definitely visit again. I spent ages chatting to one of the Volunteers (lovely girl, with such a passion for Arts & Crafts & Pre-Raphaelites) and she could see my interest too, and laughingly said, I would be welcome to volunteer but it was a bit of a commute from Wales!!
DeleteSuper post and photos - we visited two years ago and it is a wonderful house - your photos brought back memories :) Did you go in the Malthouse? - when we visited there were paintings etc from the de Morgan collection including a painting called Flora which was superb.
ReplyDeleteHeading over in May and will put it on our list after the kids go back to school after half term! Thanks! After your drive, it'll be an easier one from Worcester!
ReplyDeleteNice spring header. The Manor is so beautiful and interesting. The craftsmanship of the vase, bowl and pitcher are lovely. The drawing of the sweet little lady is wonderful. Such talented artistic people. :) Thanks for taking us to places we will probably never get to see in person.
ReplyDelete"I have been wanting to visit Wightwick Manor (pronounced "Wittick") for a long time. This wonderful Arts and Crafts house on the edge of Wolverhampton (pronounced "Wolrton"...."
ReplyDeleteSorry, I couldn't resist, I'm always knocking French for having words in which half of the letters aren't pronounced. :) Wightwick Manor is gorgeous; thanks much for the photos and account of your visit. Hopefully, I'll make the journey here too some day.