Philip Webb (1831–1915) was a pioneering British architect and designer, widely regarded as one of the founding figures of the Arts and Crafts movement. Trained as an architect under George Edmund Street, Webb became closely associated with William Morris, with whom he collaborated on numerous projects that embodied the ideals of honesty, craftsmanship, and harmony with nature. He designed The Red House in Bexleyheath for Morris in 1859, a landmark in domestic architecture that rejected Victorian ornament in favor of structural clarity, natural materials, and functional layout. Webb also contributed designs for furniture, wallpaper, and stained glass for Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co., helping to establish a new standard for integrated interior design. His architectural work focused on private houses, churches, and restorations, all marked by a deep respect for local tradition, skilled workmanship, and social responsibility. Webb’s legacy shaped the direction of British design and architecture well into the 20th century, influencing generations of Arts and Crafts practitioners and beyond.
