Visiting Wightwick Manor

A little over six months ago I decided that I wanted to start visiting local attractions within my area (see post here). Last Sunday I finally took the time to visit Wightwick Manor just outside Wolverhampton, a National Trust owned property that still has links with the original family. I admit that my main reason for visiting was to use my membership card (which is reasonably priced if you bother to use it, which at that time I hadn't) but I'm now amazed that I hadn't been to Wightwick before! It is a beautiful property that still houses some magnificant art works, including many by William Morris, where his designs continue to be used as intended.

The Manor was built in 1887 by Theodore Mander, a paint and varnish manufacturer based in Wolverhampton who was very influenced by the ideas of writer and critic John Ruskin. The house was designed from this inspiration, showcasing incredible handcrafted woodwork whilst incorporating modern amenities including central heating and electric lighting. Here you can see some of the outer detail on the woodwork:

Unfortunately photography was not allowed inside the property in order to protect the art works, however here are some of the pictures from the guide book:

Drawing Room

Dining Room


The house has many impressive rooms, including the Drawing Room and Dining Room, however my favourite by far was the Great Parlour. This room is huge. When you look at the outside of the property, yes it looks big, but at no point did I imagine that it could house a room this size. It felt more like entering a small church than a sitting room, with it's high ceilings and large, intricate fireplace. I'm sure I am not the only person to have walked over the threshold into that room and wished that it was my house!

I studied the Pre-Raphaelites at University and it was easy to see thier influence in every corner of the manor. I particularly liked Edward Burne-Jones and so I was particularly happy to see his piece 'Love among the Ruins' in the Great Parlour - the detail in this work is beautiful, particularly the fabrics.

Love amongst the Ruins - Edward Burne-Jones (courtesy of Illusions Gallery)

However, the star of the manor is of course William Morris, famous for his designs in fabric, wallpaper and furniture. It is perhaps a disappointment that the family had no known connection with Morris himself or his company Morris & Co., as so many rooms feature his work.

Morris' love of pattern has always appealed to me and was in fact a direct influence on a selection of my GCSE art work in school. Thanks to my visit to Wightwick I am determined to use his work as an influence again, and incorporate it into some of my future compositions.

Overall Wightwick was a fabulous property to visit; as well as the house itself it also has some beautfiully kept gardens attached to it, including a pond, rose garden and orchard.

I had a great day visiting Wightwick Manor - it's very inspirational and a complete gem situated just outside the built up areas of Wolverhampton - most definitely worth a second visit!

If you'd like to find out more about Wightwick Manor, including how to get there, please visit the National Trust website.


Caroline