ENTERTAINMENT CAMI L LA BAS S E T T - SMI TH
THROUGH THE GARDEN GATE KELMSCOTT MANOR
This month our television horticulturist, Camilla Bassett- Smith, explores the Cotswolds garden of one of the world’s greatest ever creatives.
William Morris was the primary influence on the Arts and Crafts Movement which saw the appreciation and popularity of decorative and fine arts in the middle of the 19th century. We know him today for his wallpaper designs and patterns that appear on items from coasters to bags, and even clothing in NEXT!
However, behind all of these creations, sat a love of nature and observation of every flower and tree which surrounded him.
Kelmscott Manor close to the Gloucestershire border, was William’s country retreat, now owned by the Society of Antiquaries of London, it positively sings William Morris from every border and brick.
Described as his “heaven on earth”, this Thames side idyll is well worth a visit.
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The manor and its grounds became a source of inspiration for William and his daughter May, noting the flowers and foliage of the seasons and writing enthusiastically of the garden in letters to friends and family.
Richly planted flower beds, a small orchard, rambling roses, majestic trees and a wildflower meadow all took their place, in addition to a good collection of fruit and vegetables.
Today, following a recent restoration, and thanks to the study of old photographs, the gardens contain many of the plants which would have been known to Morris and his family.
The impressive Mulberry tree is believed to date back to the 1600s, and indeed Morris created a pattern known as ‘Kelmscott Mulberry Tree’. Its fruit is still harvested to this day and used in cakes and other dishes created by the tearoom on site. Other fruits are plentiful, including pears, medlars, apples and figs, and fruit designs can be seen in the house adorning the walls of an upstairs bedroom.
The Lawn Garden was originally a kitchen garden, now the home of a quintessentially English croquet lawn where you are
encouraged to pick up a mallet and “play the game” as the Queen of Hearts once said. Stately Hydrangea heads and Acanthus, an aesthetic audience.
At this time of year, berries are in great supply, especially impressive a large Cotoneaster against the ancient Manor walls. Time will tell if this is the usual indicator of a harsh winter to come.
Having visited Iceland a few years ago, (where winter is guaranteed to be harsh!), I can well understand William’s fascination with the Icelandic people, landscape, traditions and tales. Alongside the front garden you’ll find a large topiary dragon yew hedge, clipped originally by Morris himself: the ‘Fafnir’ depicted in his Icelandic poems.
Sitting on the Tea Lawn with our hot beverages and delicious Early Grey and Blackcurrant cake, the willow trees alongside us radiated their pride in their part in inspiring the famous William Morris 1887 ‘Willow Bough’ pattern. Earlier in the year strawberries will have also been subjected to admiring glances from those who have read how William watched thrushes steal strawberries from outside the manor, resulting in arguably his most famous ‘Strawberry Thief’ design.
In line with his many patterns, the grounds of Kelmscott are full of twining stems, deeply-incised foliage, abundant fruits and flowers and it is wonderful to see his spirit kept alive.
A new learning centre offers activities for youngsters from Nature Bingo and Nature Rubbing to puzzles and colouring. We completed the puzzle – you’re never too old for this are you?!
Kelmscott Manor is open until the end of October, Thursday to Saturday, closing then for the winter season. A brand new exhibition from West Ox Arts called ‘A New Epoch’ will be open from 6th-29th October. Allocated parking is nearby, from where the charming Paul and his electric vehicle will usher visitors back and forth. If you are crafty, you won’t miss this Harvest time horticultural homage to the master of Arts & Crafts!
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