Standen, built between 1891 and 1894, is known as the first country house to have had electric lighting fully integrated into its interior design plans. Such radical technological innovations in energy supply and use, detailed in the extant building specification, is particularly in need of explanation as Standen was designed by the Arts and Crafts architect, Philip Webb, widely known for his ‘natural’ designs and anti-modern aesthetic. Abigail Harrison Moore discusses Webb’s associated letters and diaries, to explore the energy transformations and consumption choices built into Standen.
Image courtesy of interviewee. December 5, 2019