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If you love peering into the windows of attractive London abodes or are obsessed with interiors blogs that snoop inside the enviable spaces of the world’s creatives, be sure to take a trip to East Dulwich this summer. Instead of peeking through a pane, the owner of 'The House of Dreams' will let you over the threshold, and you’re in for an utter treat.
Artist Stephen Wright has transformed the ground floor of his home into a museum dedicated to forgotten and unloved objects that would usually be thrown away. Visitors to the shrine-like space will find no surface left uncovered, with every wall and ceiling encrusted with the contents of old Christmas crackers, crockery, trinkets and broken toys. Between them sit intricate mosaics and pieces of text that refer back to poignant moments in Wright’s life, as well as life-sized sculptures of fantastical characters.
After discovering a documentary series exploring the work of people creating extraordinary environments across the globe, Wright began work on his first mosaic which marked the inception of the project. Now, years later, a large amount of what can be seen has been donated by people who have been moved by the museum or want to find a home for the possessions of lost loved ones. It should probably come with a health warning for minimalists and those with a doll phobia, but it’s likely even they can marvel at the level of love and dedication that has gone into the museum.
Bequeathed to the National Trust, The House of Dreams is open on certain days throughout the year with Wright working on it the rest of the time, as well as on the numerous art commissions that come his way.
This summer the museum will be open on July 25, Aug 29 and Sep 26, 11am-4pm. Tickets cost £10, £5 for students and children go free. The museum is also open by appointment throughout the year. Find out more here.