The house, with its William Morris interiors, is a late Victorian treasure. Built in the ‘Old English’ style for local industrialist Theodore Mander, Wightwick Manor is considered one the best surviving examples of a home furnished under the influence of the Arts and Crafts movement. There is currently a special exhibition celebrating 150 years of Morris and Co. and the rich interiors feature artwork by Rossetti and Burne-Jones, glass by Charles Kempe and ceramics by William de Morgan.
During our tour of the house the excellent guide told us about the ITV programme (broadcast last weekend) where Andrew Lloyd Webber describes his passion for Pre-Raphaelite Art and visits the house.
Wightwick Manor featured heavily in the programme and Lloyd Webber describes how is "blown away" by the house which he visited for first time for the programme. He describes the house as being "extraordinary" and "about a family's passion for Victorian Art". We can concur - it is fabulous.
Photography is not allowed in the property so I haven't any images from inside the house. However, the gardens are also very fine with lots of yew hedges and secluded areas. It looked glorious in the sun.
Wightwick Manor
Bug "Home"
Well-Clipped Hedges
Wonderful Wisteria
Bluebell Glade in the late afternoon sun
The Lake
Wightwick lies just above the Staffs & Worcester Canal at Bridge 56. It is close to the Mermaid Tavern. You shouldn't miss it.
