A MAN who became fascinated with William Morris and his Arts and Crafts movement as a boy, has just landed his dream job.

James Breslin has been appointed the new custodian of Red House in Bexleyheath, the home commissioned by Morris and where he lived with his new bride Jane Burden from 1860 to 1865.

The house is now owned by the National Trust and Mr Breslin was welcomed into his new job with a supper in his honour, organised by the Friends of Red House.

His previous job with the trust was at an Elizabethan mansion in Cornwall, but when the vacancy at Red House came up, he said: “I jumped at the chance.”

Mr Breslin is currently living in the house, although he will move out when his wife and two children join him.

He told the Friends “It’s amazing to wake up aware Burne-Jones or Rossetti may have stayed as guests in the same room”.

He said one of his aims as custodian is to increase the number of school visits to the house.

Mr Breslin explained: “A place as special as Red House has the potential to change lives and help young people achieve their dreams.

“William Morris and Red House should be seen as an essential part of the the curriculum of local schools.”

Red House is open from Wednesday to Saturday.

Guided tours are available in the morning by calling 020 8304 9878 or, after 1.30pm, visitors can go round the house on their own or with an audio guide.

To become a volunteer at Red House call Mr Breslin on 020 8303.

Friends of Red House is a voluntary group which raises money for the house through talks and social activities, including trips to other William Morris homes.

To find out more about the Friends call 020 8300 1180.