Kelmscott Manor is set to reopen following major refurbishment.
The country home of William Morris has been closed since 2019 to allow structural repairs to be made to the 17th century manor house and its outbuildings.
Other work carried out during this time includes a new learning and activity studio, new exhibition and research spaces, an upgrade of visitor facilities and and conservation of furniture and artwork.
The interior rooms of the manor, near Lechlade, have also been redisplayed to provide a more authentic impression of how they would have been in the Morris family’s day.
Kelmscott
Dr Kathy Haslam, curator at Kelmscott Manor, said: “We have not attempted to replicate a particular moment in time in redisplaying the period rooms, but rather to recreate the spaces as they would have been known to members of the Morris family over their 67-year association with the manor based on evidence available.
"Every new placement of furniture and objects, together with each new paint colour or choice of wallpaper has been informed by visual or written sources consulted during extensive research.
"As a result the house feels more home-like. In addition, our new interpretation enables us to explore more people, themes and narratives than before.”
Kelmscott Manor has been owned by the Society of Antiquaries of London since 1962.
General Secretary John Lewis said: “William Morris’s love of history and the physical remains of the past profoundly influenced his creativity.
"Our revitalised Kelmscott will explore and share the history of the estate and house through the core disciplines of the Society and through the eyes of William Morris as an Antiquary and Fellow of our Society.
“The recent major refurbishment project and the ongoing Kelmscott Manor: Past Present and Future Campaign has ensured that William Morris’s beloved 'heaven on earth' is preserved for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations.”
Kelmscott Manor reopens to the public on Friday, April 1. From then on it will be open Thursday-Saturday from 10.30am-5pm.
Pre-booking online is advisable via sal.org.uk/kelmscott-manor
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