Tours
Our guided tours explain what makes this house special inside and out and tell the stories of the unconventional people who lived here. Or discover for yourself from 1.30pm.
Original fixtures and fittings
There is plenty of evidence of Red House's original owner and his friends. Look for outstanding wall paintings and stained glass by Edward Burne-Jones, glass painting and furniture designed by Morris and Philip Webb and embroidery made to cover the dining room walls by Morris's wife Jane and her sister.
Drawing room revealed
There have been some exciting discoveries in the drawing room. An accurate reproduction of the ceiling decoration has been possible and wall panels removed so visitors can experience the full effect of patterns below the vivid Edward Burne-Jones paintings. The final surprise was finding unknown very early Morris repeating floral designs above the settle.
Wall painting discovered
Hidden behind a wardrobe, an internationally significant Pre-Raphaelite wall painting was discovered. Figures from Genesis were drawn in Morris' bedroom by several of his famous friends who visited. Come and decide for yourself who they might have been.
Hall ceiling conserved
Scaffolding was needed to undertake the cleaning and conservation of the hall ceiling during the winter. 150 years’ worth of dirt was removed to show the brightly coloured decorative scheme to its best advantage. The ceiling clearly demonstrates the technique Morris used to ensure the repeating pattern was faithfully reproduced each time by asking his workmen to make pin pricks in the plaster.
