William Morris was a giant of the Arts and Crafts Movement, the late 19th Century pushback against the emerging mass production of the Industrial Revolution.
Morris was an English writer, a poet, a thinker and – perhaps most famously – a textile designer, producing beautiful wallpapers, tapestries and fabrics.
And there is a strong connection to South Australia, with Adelaide providing the biggest client base for the works of Morris & Co outside of the UK, spearheaded by the Barr Smith family who purchased the wallpapers, textiles and furniture to decorate their homes.
Now that work is – quite literally – going up in lights as William Morris Winter Wonderland at Carrick Hill takes over the historic house and gardens this July.
Inspired by Morris’s iconic designs, the immersive nighttime experience will see Carrick Hill
brought to life through large-scale animated projections and visual storytelling from 9-26 July.
Across the façade of the historic Carrick Hill home, Morris’s celebrated patterns will bloom and grow on the stones, windows and doors, with vines climbing, flowers blossoming and woodland creatures emerging in a dreamlike celebration of design and nature.
Visitors will be invited to wander through the illuminated gardens and enjoy a winter atmosphere with mulled wine and seasonal food offerings from the team at Rozelle’s.
Guests will also have the opportunity to extend their experience with a dinner booking at Rozelle’s.
Running over two weeks, the event is expected to attract both local audiences and interstate visitors, positioning Carrick Hill as a must-visit winter destination.
Carrick Hill Director Heather Croall AM said William Morris Winter Wonderland would offer visitors "an entirely new way to experience this extraordinary place".
"Carrick Hill holds a genuine and significant connection to William Morris through Ursula Hayward’s family, the Barr Smiths, who were major clients of Morris and whose legacy is reflected in the collection of William Morris works held at Carrick Hill," Ms Croall said.
"Seeing the house and gardens transformed through light, projection and storytelling will be truly unforgettable; William Morris designs and Carrick Hill lit up like you’ve never seen."
Tickets for William Morris Winter Wonderland at Carrick Hill will be priced from $18 to $37. For more information and tickets, click here.
