Zeitgeist Wightwick Manor

Today I wanted to find something for Mono Monday on the theme of "Spirit"  so I started to think about the spirit of the time - in this case Pre-Raphelite decor including paintings by Burne-Jones and Rossetti, and an expanse of original William Morris Wallpaper and Fabrics.  These are much in evidence at Wightwick Manor on the outskirts of Wolverhampton.  This was built in 1887 by the Mander Family, local industrialists, after whom a local shopping centre is now named.
"In 1937 Geoffrey Mander MP did something remarkable - he persuaded the National Trust to accept a house that was just 50 years old.
The local paint manufacturer and Liberal MP had been left the timber-framed house by his father Theodore. Taking inspiration from a lecture on 'the House Beautiful' by Oscar Wilde, Theodore and his wife Flora had decorated its interiors with the designs of William Morris and his Arts and Crafts contemporaries.
This house of the Aesthetic Movement was, by 1937, a relic of an out of fashion era. Yet, so complete was the design that it was worthy of preservation. Having given the house to the Trust, Geoffrey and his second wife Rosalie became its live-in curators, opening the house to the public and adding to its contents. In particular they added a remarkable collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings by Rossetti, Burne-Jones and their followers."
It really feels like you can absorb the spirit of the time in this house.  This is the Billiard Room which has an original light fitting above it which was made for gas - Mander had the first house in the Midlands to have electricity so he had it converted to run on electricity.  You can also see some of the original William Morris wallpaper on the walls.  Go visit if you can!