from Bonnie
I lived in London for the winter of 1979-1980 for graduate school. I was attending a course in calligraphy and bookbinding at Digby Stuart College in south London. In the Fall, I lived in a “bedsit”, a London term for a rented room in a ‘flat”, but when I returned from a winter break in France, I found my belongings in the hall due to my landlady deciding to rent the room to a relative. Fortunately, one of my American classmates, Eva Williams lived in the former town house, Kelmscott House of famed Victorian poet, socialist, designer and fine printer, William Morris. Kelmscott House is owned by the William Morris Society. At the time I lived there, the Society rented rooms to students studying Morris-related subjects. I moved by London cab on New Year’s day and installed myself in former maid’s room in a roof-top garret overlooking the Hammersmith Bridge and the river.
The house still contained Morris’ letterpress, some tapestries and a number of beautiful Kelmscott Press books, bound in limp Vellum. I lived there with an international group of students all studying various aspects of William Morris’ work.
Revisiting Kelmscott House
After the London Museum, we took the “Tube” to Hammersmith and found our way to 26 Upper Mall. The main house is rented to long-term tenants, and the Wm. Morris Society has its headquarters in the adjoining coach house. We were warmly greeted by the gracious staff. The Society Curator, Helen Elletson, was anxious to have copies of any personal photos from that time in the house’s history– I must go through my old photos!
Kelmscott House, Hammersmith, London
Hammersmith Bridge
We had a lovely lunch at the 17th century Dove pub–a place of many memories from my time in London. This lovely pub is well off the tourist track and features “The Smallest Bar in the World”, two fireplaces and a half-timber ceiling, The Dove has been a favorite of many famous people in London’s history including Charles Dickens.
In the morning… on to Glasgow, Scotland!
I am loving taking your trip vicariously! I only wish you had taken some of the pictures so I could see your husband. I’ll imagine him as handsome, of course. I’m going to brew a cup of tea and continue with my vicarious journey to London (where I have sadly never been). What luck to live in the William Morris house after your landlady ousted you!