Wightwick Manor (pronounced "Wittick") is a Victorian manor house located on Wightwick Bank, Wolverhampton. It is one of only a few surviving examples of a house built and furnished under the influence of the Arts and Crafts movement. Wightwick was built by Theodore Mander, of the Mander family, who were successful 19th-century industrialists in the area, and his wife Flora, daughter of Henry Nicholas Paint, member of Parliament in Canada. It was designed by Edward Ould of Liverpool in two phases; the first was completed in 1887 and the house was extended with the Great Parlour wing in 1893. This family house portrays life during the Victorian era and is a notable example of the influence of William Morris, with original Morris wallpapers and fabrics, De Morgan tiles, Kempe glass and Pre-Raphaelite works of art. The house has Victorian gardens and the outbuildings house stables, a handmade pottery shop, studio workshop and an antiquarian bookshop.
The legacy of a family's passion for Victorian art and design, in 1937 Geoffrey Mander MP 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 Mander 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 notable collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings by Rossetti, Burne-Jones and their followers.
There is separate mobility parking and an Adapted toilet next to the tea-room. Sensory experiences. Partly accessible grounds, slopes, some steps, grass paths. Map of accessible route. Some visitors may require assistance from their companion. Level entrance to building. Ground floor has steps. Fully accessible tea-room. Sloping path from reception to garden, manor, shop and tea-room. Fully accessible shop. Kitchen wing and first floor of manor only accessible by steps. Assistance dogs are welcome.
Location : Wightwick Bank, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV6 8EE
Transport: Wolverhampton (National Rail) then bus. Bus Routes : 9 is an Hourly service from Wolverhampton, leaves bus station quarter to the hour.
Opening Times : Daily 12:00 to 17:00, house closed on Tuesdays; Gardens open at 11:00.
Tickets House + Gardens: Adults £10:30; Children £5.15
Tel: 01902 761400
