The renovation project on the artist’s childhood home has added new galleries, learning resources and Georgian orangery-inspired extension to the old facility which will enable exploration of the life and works of William Morris, the foremost creative artist and original thinker of the 19th century.
The Grade II listed, 18th century building’s renovation revealed several original Georgian features and has delivered increased and fully refurbished exhibition space with three new galleries, a library, and a research and education centre over and above a new Georgian orangery-inspired extension. The new extension accommodates a new tearoom and balcony overlooking the gardens.
Almost 600 objects would be showcased across 12 galleries of William Morris Gallery which would be arranged across six major themes exploring different aspects of Morris’ life. The renovated gallery’s beauty is enhanced by the surrounding parklands.
The Gallery went through a £5 million ($7.76 million) redevelopment scheme, which forms a key part of the Waltham Forest Council’s wider plans to regenerate the borough and improve the area’s leisure offer for local people and visitors.
The project has been supported by means of a £3.5 million ($5.43 million) grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the Big Lottery Fun, of which £1.6 million ($2.48 million) was granted by HLF. The redevelopment work was also supported by funding from Waltham Forest Council and as well as many notable trusts, foundations, sponsors and The Friends of The William Morris Gallery.
William Morris was a designer, craftsman, writer and political thinker. He was born in Walthamstow and lived in Water House (now the William Morris Gallery) from 1848 to 1856 and his work has since inspired generations of artists, designers, writers and political thinkers.
