Community Craft Fair at Red House

Family browsing a stall at a Craft Fair — Browsing a craft stall

Red House has always been about making, creating and a sense of community spirit. These themes come together at our annual Community Craft Fair on Sat 11 - Sun 12 July.

Artist carving a sculpture — Sculpture Carving

Artist’s Commune

For the five years that William Morris and his family lived at Red House, they worked together to hand decorate our unique interior. Pre-Raphaelite artists such as Dante Rossetti, Edward and Georgiana Burne-Jones and Elizabeth Siddal contributed to the colourful and extraordinary murals and patterns that bring Red House to life. They dubbed themselves ‘The Joyous Guard’, working together to create an extraordinary decorative scheme inspired by nature and medieval tales.

When the Morris’ moved out of Red House, it was unfinished. They had planned to build another wing on the East side which would house the Burne-Jones family. Together the two families would create an artist’s commune, designing, painting, and sewing together. Sadly this never happened, but William Morris left behind a legacy of exquisite craftsmanship and community at Red House that we continue to celebrate.

Arts and Crafts

Join us at the Red House Community Craft Fair to discover the artistic talent of the local community. From painting to ceramics there will be a variety of art and craft on offer for you to see and explore. Some of the skilled artists already signed up to the fair will be hosting workshops and demonstrations to get you involved in arts and crafts.
It won’t just be artists hosting at the fair. Drop in to talk to local charities and groups with a range of expertise too.

Browse exhibitions, purchase some souvenirs, try your hand at something artistic, or enjoy an ice cream or a piece of cake in William Morris’ garden. There’s a lot to do on a summer weekend in July at the Community Craft Fair at Red House.