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At first glance visitors to Wightwick immediately gain the impression of a glorious building left over from the illustrious Tudor period. However, this is not so, the building is in fact a superb reconstruction of late Victorian times built for Samuel Theodore Mander, a wealthy paint manufacturer. It was always intended to be an elegant look-a-like of a grand Tudor mansion.
Mander, bought the old manor house in 1887 and he engaged the services of Edward Ould, a specialist in timber-frame buildings to build a new house close to the old one. The original house was given a "face-lift" of shiny red ruabon brick to match the first stage of the new building. Later, the east wing was begun, this followed the elaborate lines of Little Moreton Hall, it is a confection of intricate carving with fine spiral Tudor chimneys.
Amazing the exterior may be, but the true importance of the house lies in the magnificent Arts and Crafts interior by William Morris and the skilled artists and craftsmen employed by him. Wallpaper, carpets, fabrics and tiles are all to Morris' own design. The stained glass is by C.E.Kempe, and the metalwork by W.A.S. Benson.
The house is a wonderful treasure trove, with paintings by Burne-Jones and stunning Jacobean furniture shown to best advantage against the superb decoration by Morris. The Orient features heavily throughout the house, with floors covered in subtle Persian rugs, and in some rooms you can see items from the rich collection of Chinese porcelain acquired over the years by various members of the Mander family.
Wightwick is undoubtedly unique, it is the most outstanding and complete property of its type. The fact that it was always a family home with a wonderful comfortable "lived in" feel, only serves to enhance its attraction. The grounds in which it stands reflect the period in which it was built, these were beautifully landscaped and laid out by Alfred Parsons.
The house and grounds make a fascinating visit for people of all age-groups, for the further enjoyment of visitors to Wightwick there is a cafe for refreshments and a shop.
in the county of West Midlands
(2.7 miles, 4.3 km, direction E)..
in the county of West Midlands
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in the county of Shropshire
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in the county of Worcestershire
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a Historic City in the county of West Midlands
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All towns in West Midlands
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