Top seven artists’ homes to visit
Nationwide
1 KELMSCOTT MANOR, OXFORDSHIRE
The great Arts and Crafts designer William Morris (1834-1896) made this 16thcentury manor house in the Cotswolds his home for 25 years. Its beautifully reserved interior includes Morris fabrics and furniture. Enjoy the pretty garden, too. Open until October. sal.org.uk/kelmscott-manor
2 BARBARA HEPWORTH MUSEUM, CORNWALL
The brilliant Modernist sculptor Hepworth (1903-1975) lived at Trewyn Studios from 1949, becoming a leading figure among the many artists based in St Ives. Her leafy garden is full of her bold artworks, and her cluttered studio stands as if untouched since her death. Open daily. tate.org.uk
3 THE HARDMANS’ HOUSE, MERSEYSIDE
The home and photographic studios of Margaret and Edward Chambré Hardman, preserved in the cluttered glory of its 1950s heyday. The archive includes photographs of Liverpool, its people and the countryside. nationaltrust.org.uk
4 LITTLE SPARTA, PEEBLESSHIRE
Visit the remote home of the late Ian Hamilton Finlay for the spectacular garden, which includes water features, sculptures and beautiful views. Open until end September. littlesparta.org.uk
5 CHARLESTON, EAST SUSSEX
The extraordinary home of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, two leading figures in the Bloomsbury Set, is a work of art in itself. The walls and even the furniture are covered in their murals and paintings, and the extraordinary talents and personalities of this couple remain as vivid as the colours. Set in pretty South Downs countryside. charleston.org.uk
6 KETTLE’S YARD, CAMBRIDGESHIRE
The home of art collector Jim Ede (1895-1990) and his wife Helen was converted from four cottages in 1956, and filled with his collection of vibrant modern art, which you can still see there today. A new gallery space opened in 2018. Open TuesSun. kettlesyard.co.uk
7 HENRY MOORE STUDIOS AND GARDENS, HERTFORDSHIRE
One of the 20th century’s greatest artists, Henry Moore (1898-1986) lived in this Hertfordshire farmhouse from the 1940s. See both his wellpreserved home and many of his monumental artworks displayed in the grounds. Open Weds-Sun, until 28 October. henry-moore.org