William Morris House, London

William Morris House, LLoyd Park, Walthamstow, London

William Morris, the founder of the Arts & Crafts movement lived in this house for twelve years in the mid-nineteenth century. Now it is a gallery and museum set into Lloyd Park in Walthamstow in London. The house is built in classic eighteenth century Georgian style. Georgian architecture is characterized by proportion and balance; as you can see this building is symmetrical. The ratio between the width and height of the windows would have been significant to engender the sense of harmony. Also it was usual to have features from one or other of the classical orders of architecture. You can't see it very well in my picture but there are two columns in the Corinthian style supporting the classical porticoed front door.

This garden is at the back of the house and is a part of Lloyd Park, now a public space but once part of the extensive grounds of the house. There is a garden hose-pipe ban at present in the Thames Water area around most of London. I think it would take a lot of watering cans to keep the lawn looking so good - compare it with the grass at the front in first picture!

This third picture is of the ornamental moat in the former grounds of the house. The bird near the top of the picture is a moorhen, easily identified by it's red and yellow bill. Just below her are two juvenile moorhens and in the foreground the ubiquitous Canada Goose. If you are interested in learning more about William Morris click here. I am sure he was a very worthy man but I find him, unlike his former home, rather dull.