William Morris and the Cotswolds

Morris took a lot of inspiration from the Cotswolds and the surrounding area. He was first introduced to the west as a schoolboy at Marlborough, escaping into the Downs whenever he could. He took his young family to Broadway, and while travelling, discovered the damage being done to local buildings in the name of restoration, and led to the founding of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. Then, in the 1870s, he took on Kelmscott Manor near Lechlade, which became his 'Old House on the Thames'.

 

Kirsty Hartsiotis is currently a curator at Swindon Museums, prior to this, she was the curator of the decorative and fine art at The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum, Cheltenham for many years where she looked after the Arts and Crafts Movement collection. She has curated many exhibitions on the Arts and Crafts movement. Passionate about sharing her deep love for and knowledge of the arts, she's the editor of the Journal of William Morris Studies and writes for diverse other publications on art history and folklore.

 

Photograph of Kelmscott Manor, Gloucestershire.

 

Doors and the bar open from 18.45; lectures start at 19.30 and last an hour with additional time for questions.

Free for members: visitors please pay £8 on the day at the welcome desk: card only.

The 2025 AGM wil be held prior to the lecture; details will be posted nearer the time