4 /5 Timothy Pang: The Emery Walker Trust is a registered charity in the UK (charity number 1158505) dedicated to the advancement of public education in art, crafts, design, and architecture. Its primary focus is the conservation, maintenance, and public display of 7 Hammersmith Terrace in London, the former home of Sir Emery Walker.
* Preservation of Emery Walkers House: The Trust owns and manages 7 Hammersmith Terrace, which is considered the last authentic Arts and Crafts interior in Britain. Emery Walker lived in this terraced house on the River Thames from 1903 until his death in 1933, and it remains largely untouched, offering a genuine glimpse into an Arts and Crafts home.
* Historic Interiors: The house boasts original William Morris & Co. wallpapers, textiles, and furniture throughout, reflecting Walkers close friendship and collaboration with William Morris.
* Guided Tours: The Trust provides pre-booked guided tours of the house, allowing visitors to experience the unique atmosphere and learn about Emery Walkers life and the Arts and Crafts movement. Tours typically run on Thursdays and Saturdays from March to the end of November.
* Garden: The house also features a small garden with fine views of the Thames. The gardens paths are made of original 1898 terracotta tiles, and the conservatory has a grapevine descended from the one at Hogarths House. The planting is inspired by the garden diaries of Emery Walkers daughter, Dorothy Walker, and includes flowers featured in William and May Morris designs.
* Educational Activities: The Trust aims to educate the public about the Arts and Crafts movement through the preservation of the house and its contents.
* Collaboration: The Emery Walker Trust works in partnership with other organizations, such as the William Morris Society, through initiatives such as “Arts & Crafts Hammersmith” to promote the stories of key figures in the movement.
* Collection: The Trust cares for Emery Walkers personal artifacts in the house, providing a rich context for understanding his life and work.
In essence, the Emery Walker Trust plays a vital role in preserving an important piece of Arts and Crafts heritage in London and making it accessible to the public for educational purposes. Visiting 7 Hammersmith Terrace offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience a genuine Arts and Crafts home.