Buildings in London: Red House

Red House

13 Red House Lane,
Bexleyheath
Kent
DA6 8JF

Tel: + 44 (0)1494 755 588

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main
/news/red_house.html

Red House was designed by Philip Webb in 1859, as a home for William Morris and his young wife Janey. Webb was a friend of Morris and this was his first building. With its steep, red-tiled roof, based on medieval models, and its emphasis on natural materials, the house became a major influence in Britain and abroad. It was furnished and decorated by Morris's friends and family. There were hangings and embroideries by Morris and Janey, tiles and murals by Edward Burne-Jones, furniture, metalwork and tableware by Webb. Their work led to the creation of Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co., the firm that brought Morris's designs to a wider public.

Morris spent five years at Red House, some of the happiest in his life, surrounded by a community of friends and artists. The house was then in the midst of orchards and countryside: now it is an oasis in a suburban environment.