Our team of designers took a recent trip to Gloucestershire to check in on our Church Project currently underway. It was also a wonderful opportunity to explore the local area, rich in ecclesiastical design inspiration. Here’s a look at some of our favourite spots…
Stanway House
This stunning Jacobean manor house is home to the tallest fountain in Britain and the surrounding grounds are a magnificent example of an English pastoral landscape.
Woodchester Mansion
Woodchester is an unfinished masterpiece, originally designed by local architect Benjamin Bucknall where Gothic revival meets Viollet-le-Duc. The project was halted in the late 19th century due to a lack of funds and fell into disrepair until the Woodchester Mansion Trust began renovations. It’s not an incredible chance to see the raw beauty of a ‘work in progress’. The stone carvings are a marvel, inspired by the plants and wildlife of the surrounding valley. The nearby walks are also breathtakingly beautiful, with a popular local spot for wild swimming!
All Saints Church Selsley
A must visit for any William Morris enthusiast. All Saints in Selsley was the first ecclesiastical commission for William Morris and Co, and the only church in the country to have all of its windows designed by them.
Hailes Abbey Church
From the outside, Hailes Church is somewhat unassuming, but the interior is a delight. 12th century murals adorn the walls, with a wonderfully peculiar lineup of mythical beasts including winged elephants and dragons. The floor is paved in the most marvellous mediaeval encaustic tiles.
Lewis and Wood
We’ve worked alongside Stroud-based Lewis and Wood for many years, incorporating their incredible British textiles and wallpaper into many of our projects (see The George). A trip to their Stroud studio was an absolute must for our team, where we learned about the rich history of textiles in Stroud and the inspiration for their new collection, which draws from Indian embroidery at the V&A Museum. In particular, we love that their designs are printed to order, ensuring zero waste in the production process.
