Pick up 9.00am Abbey Fields, 9.10am Abbey End/The Clock

Open to all but initial preference given to History group members.

Wightwick Manor, Wolverhampton to include introductory talk about the house and pre-raphaelite paintings, refreshments and a light lunch. 

The House

The house was built by Theodore Mander (of Mander paints) in 1887 and he began collecting and adopting Victorian art and design. When he died the house passed to his son Geoffrey who wanted the house to remain a home and this is true today. It is well known for it’s collection of pre-Raphaelite art and William Morris Designs.  The main focus of the art is the work of the  Rosettis. Wightwick had no Pre-Raphaelite art prior to 1937, when the Manor was donated to the National Trust. The first painting bought was a portrait of Jane Morris by Rossetti and Madox Brown, which the Manders donated to the National Trust and the house also contains paintings from other N/T houses such as Upton House. The collection is one of the largest displays of work by female artists but also includes work by Edward Burne-Jones. There is also a separate gallery dedicated to artisits Evelyn and William de Morgan.

NB Rucksacks and large bags are not allowed in the house.

The Gardens

In 1904 the Manders employed eminent Arts and Crafts designer Thomas Mawson to work on the garden.  The dominant design feature of the garden is its 'rooms' – areas of the garden marked by clipped yew hedges or terraces giving the garden a wide variety of different feelings which become less formal away from the house.

Facilities

In addition to the Tea room there is a Plant Shop and Gift Shop and a second-hand book shop.

Accessibillity

The majority of the ground floor of the house is accessible for all but there is a touch-screen with a virtual tour - with narration - available  for those not able to access certain areas.

There is Blue Badge parking and a Shuttle buggy is available to the main house. Wheelchairs are available on arrival. There is level access to Tea Room and Shop. Also accessible toilets by Reception and tea-room. Partly accessible grounds, slopes, some steps, grass paths.

Details of this outing will be in the bulletin and at the outings table at Open Meetings.  As this is a History Group outing by minibus, with limited numbers, with priority given to History Group members, anyone interested in this outing should initially email Alison Lucas with the contact email above, so that viability can be confirmed before separate booking forms are sent out.  Please contact Alison with any questions.We also ask those booking to make the History Committee aware of ANY issues that may affect their ability to travel or enjoy the outings, so that these can be discussed with a view to obtaining a reasonable solution. As lunch is included we also need to know about any allergies or special dietry requirements.