Philip Webb
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Philip Speakman Webb was born in 1831 and was to become one of the most significant architects and designers of his generation. Probably underestimated in his own time and subsequently almost forgotten - he produced relatively little compared with some of his peers - his reputation has been restored more recently. A socialist, like Morris, the two met while working in G.E. Street's office and became lifelong friends. Red House was Webb's first independent commission as an architect and this, together with Standen are his two most notable works. As well as an architect, he was a designer of most of the decorative elements of a house, producing a wide range of items for Morris and Co. including stained glass, tableware, furniture and embroidery. He is often seen now as the father-figure of the Arts and Crafts movement, though his early work was much influenced by Pugin and Butterfield. His apparent low profile was partly a consequence of him being - unlike many of those around him - shy and modest and reluctant to promote himself. He was also a man of integrity and very high standards pushing both himself and his clients very hard. It is said that during his peak of the 1880's and 1890's he only earned on average 320 pounds a year which would not have been far above many of his senior craftsman. He died in 1915, aged 84. Little has been written about him though there is a partial and rather curious biography by one of his peers, William Lethaby. 2004 will see a long-awaited and comprehensive biography by Sheila Kirk.