IT seems even the most elevated of artists can be tempted to a spot of graffiti.

Renovation work at the National Trust-owned Red House in Bexleyheath has revealed a blue painted smiley face underneath one of the ceiling braces.

The Grade I listed house, in Red House Lane, is the only one commissioned, created and lived in by William Morris, founder of the Arts and Crafts Movement.

Analysis of the paint pigment has confirmed the paint is the same blue as the rest of the ceiling and is therefore likely to have been drawn at the same time.

Although it is partially visible from the house’s landing, no one had any idea what it was until scaffolding was put up during the closed season renovations at the end of last year.

Now trust workers are speculating on whether it was Morris or one of his talented friends who helped to decorated the house, who was tempted to graffiti the ceiling.

The house has now reopened for the summer and is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 11am to 5pm.

For details go to nationaltrust.org/redhouse