Wymering Reimagined: A New Architectural Narrative

As you accompany Belinda on her annual visits to Wymering Manor, you can't help but notice the unmistakable glint of curiosity in her eyes, a spark that seems to intensify with each passing year. It's not just a routine analysis for her; it's a profound exploration that goes beyond the mere study of architecture and stories. Wymering Manor holds a special place in her heart, and her fascination with it is palpable. Despite the countless times she has ventured into its halls, guiding different sets of students through its mysteries, there's an enduring sense of wonderment that lights up her expression.

In her company, Wymering Manor transforms from a static architectural relic to a dynamic tapestry of history and intrigue. The glitter in her eyes tells a story of a scholar who sees more than just stone and mortar—a storyteller captivated by the narratives that echo through the corridors. With Belinda, each visit becomes an opportunity to add another chapter to the ongoing saga of Wymering Manor, keeping the flame of curiosity burning brightly in her gaze.

Upon stumbling across the article penned by Belinda, it felt like stumbling upon a window to her mind—a gateway into the intricate landscape of her thoughts and emotions when she graces Wymering Manor with her presence. The palpable excitement and curiosity that resonated from her words sparked a similar enthusiasm within me. It was more than just a scholarly exploration; it was an intimate journey into the depths of her perception, a revealing narrative that transcended the mere analysis of architecture and historical anecdotes. 

As I delved into her written expressions, it became evident that Wymering Manor held a special place in her heart, and each visit was not a repetitive exercise but an evolving odyssey of discovery. The anticipation she conveyed, the layers of mystery she peeled back, and the genuine passion for the stories echoing within the manor's walls were all laid bare. Belinda's perspective transformed Wymering from a static structure to a living, breathing entity—a place where history and intrigue intertwine in a captivating dance. Reading her words was akin to embarking on a shared expedition, and the article became a guide to understanding not only the manor itself but the very essence of Belinda's connection to it.

This article is talking about how buildings, like old houses, don't stay the same; they decay and change. Instead of thinking of them as just old structures with fixed histories, she want us to see them as ongoing processes involving materials, people, and time. They're particularly interested in the feelings and experiences inside historic buildings. They're looking at the connection between interior design and conservation, focusing on historic interiors as places that aren't finished but are still emotionally rich. They use a 16th-century manor house as an example, suggesting it's most meaningful when it's in a state of change, before any restoration work is done.

The Manor, a captivating blend of architectural elements, carries a fragmented history revealed through faded photos and family letters. Its original front door, now blocked, symbolizes a silent narrative. Once a youth hostel, the rooms transformed, labelled doors, and added modern amenities. Today, the community breathes life into it with donated furniture and staged scenes, reflecting diverse narratives. Sketches capture an evolving dream world, showcasing the Manor's power to affect and be affected. The changing Music Room epitomizes coexisting desires amid the looming threat of decay. My work embraces this narrative, shifting towards a formative language shaped by the local community's manifold stories.

In this article the aim was to explore innovative ways of expressing the emotional essence of historic interiors. Embracing an embodied approach, she let the dynamic actions of the historic "fabric" shape materiality. Through drawings combining image and text, she and her team crafted a narrative giving voice to the Manor's diverse influences, both human and nonhuman.

Shifting from standard photographic documentation, they actively engaged in creative writing, transitioning from observing on thresholds to sitting in spaces. This transformative process allowed them to let go of preconceived notions, opening up to the community's aspirations for the house.

Guided by New Materialist thinking, their focus was on intricate relationships, affect, and the ongoing life history of the Manor. their images and text created new visual and verbal languages, capturing the entwined nature of space, time, and community. Operating between creative writing and photographic drawing, their ongoing goal is to gather diverse voices, contributing alternative insights to conversations about the future of this historic place.