The £10 million ($15.4 million) revamp was led by Pringle Richards Sharratt architects together with its sister company GuM Studio, who carried out the exhibition design. The gallery reopened in August 2012.
The revamp project transformed the gallery which was on the verge of closure into a fascinating space. The renovated gallery design reinterpreted Morris for a 21st century audience by showcasing his life story and achievements in the grand Walthamstow house. The collections of the gallery have been presented in an aesthetic manner, with beautiful and accessible labels. The gallery also features space for visiting shows and will be the first venue in the UK to show Jeremy Deller’s current exhibition at the Venice Biennale in 2014.
The renovation project also refurbished the historic house, with new collection displays being created on the ground and first floors. The top floor was converted into a learning and research centre, with staff offices being relocated to the refurbished basement. A new extension was built on the site of the old east wing, housing a tea room, a special exhibition gallery and a collection store.
Waltham Forest council contributed £1.5 million ($2.3 million) for the project with the matching amount offered by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
