We visited Wightwick Manor, an outstanding example of late Victorian craftsmanship.  Begun in 1887 for a Wolverhampton paint maker, Theodore Mander, in the ‘Old English’ style, it provides an appropriate setting for a superb collection of William Morris fabrics and furnishings, period furniture, oriental rugs and porcelain, and pre-Raphaelite pictures.

The perfect weather meant the group were able to see the house’s architectural features and the formal gardens immediately surrounding it, at its best.  The house is a supremely picturesque building and from almost every window there are lovely views across the gardens to the grounds beyond.

After our interesting introductory talk by Karen, who gave us the history of the Mander family and their mission to decorate and furnish Wightwick using different styles, most of it handmade by traditional craft methods, we progressed into the house and were given a wealth of information by the friendly, enthusiastic guides from each room we entered.  We saw many rooms, some were being restored under ‘The Big Mend’ programme, but others contained pictures by the Pre-Raphaelite artists, Kempe’s stained-glass windows and decorative tiles by De Morgan.  William Morris’s distinctive designs for fabrics and wallpapers were to be seen in many of the rooms.

A cafe break was a welcome stop for refreshment and for the group to just sit in pleasant surroundings on such a sunny day.