Resemblances of the Crimson Dwelling
In the heart of Kent, nestled in the hamlet of Upton (now Bexleyheath), stands a historical gem – the Red House. This detached, red brick house, with its tall chimneys and pointed windows, is more than just a residence; it is a testament to the principles of the Arts and Crafts movement and a significant milestone in British architecture.
Designed in 1859 by William Morris and Philip Webb, two architects associated with the Arts and Crafts movement, the Red House was built with a focus on 'truth' in craftsmanship and construction. It was a departure from the dominant stylistic conventions of the time, embracing a medieval spirit and rejecting classical and historical revival styles.
William Morris, born in 1834 to a wealthy family, shared this vision. He married Jane Burden in 1859 and, together with Philip Webb, sought 'honesty in construction' in the design of the Red House. The house, completed in 1860, was unconventional in its use of red brick and functional arrangement of windows, each sized to suit the space it served.
Inside, materials such as red flagstones, exposed brick arches, and timber framing displayed Morris's affection for truth in materiality, simplicity, and handcraft. The Red House was more than a home; it was a showcase for the Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Company firm, which aimed to revive fine craftsmanship through design in stained glass, furniture, and embroidery.
The Red House, also known as 'The Pilgrim's Rest', sits near to Watling Street, the route of Chaucer's medieval Canterbury pilgrims. It symbolized a holistic integration of architecture, design, and decorative arts, embodying Morris's principle to "have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
The Pre-Raphaelites, a group closely associated with William Morris, shared a fascination with medievalism and favoured a return to Romantic ideals, rural simplicity, and early Italian painting. Morris remained close to the painter Edward Burne-Jones throughout his life, who became a leading figure within the Pre-Raphaelite circle.
In 1861, Morris and Burne-Jones co-founded the decorative arts firm Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co, producing carpets, furniture, glass, fabrics, and wallpaper. The Red House served as a birthplace for this cultural and artistic movement, contributing significantly to its growth and influence.
Today, the Red House stands as a beacon of the Arts and Crafts movement, a testament to Morris's democratic vision of art as a shared cultural inheritance. Acquired by the National Trust in 2003, it continues to inspire visitors with its unique blend of art, craftsmanship, and social philosophy.
[1] Newman, Nikolaus Pevsner. The Development of Modern Architecture: An Introduction to the Study of the History of the Later Styles of Building. 1936. [2] Summerson, John. Architecture in Britain, 1530-1830. 1953. [3] Pardey, John. The Red House, Bexleyheath, a Significant Building in British Architecture. 1973. [4] Summerson, John. The Classical Language of Architecture. 1948.
The Red House, constructed in 1860, was more than a home for William Morris; it was a business venture and a lifestyle statement, a testament to his principles of truth in craftsmanship and materiality, embodying the Arts and Crafts movement. Furthermore, the Red House, steeped in history, symbolizes the birthplace of the Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Company firm, influencing the development of home-and-garden decorative arts.
