William Morris Gallery

The William Morris Gallery is closed for redevelopment until July 2012.

Welcome to the William Morris Gallery

The William Morris Gallery is the only public Gallery devoted to William Morris - designer, craftsman, writer, socialist and conservationist - and is home to an internationally important collection illustrating his life, achievements and influence.

William Morris was born in Walthamstow in 1834. The Gallery is housed in the 18th century Water House, Morris' family home from 1848 to 1856, set in Lloyd Park in Walthamstow.

The Gallery is currently undergoing major redevelopment. The stunning William Morris Gallery Development Project will transform the Gallery, creating a first class visitor facility and a centre of excellence for the study of William Morris and the Arts and Crafts Movement.

New Morris exhibition at Leyton Library

William Morris: Designer, Craftsman, Local Celebrity

1 February- 8 August 2012

Open Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm

Discover Leyton's special connection with William Morris and find out more about the William Morris Gallery Development Project at this free exhibition at Leyton Library, High Road, Leyton E10 5QH.

The centrepiece of the exhibition is the magnificent Peacock and Bird carpet, donated to the Gallery in 2010 by The Monument Trust. Visitors will also be able to view a new architectural model of the William Morris Gallery, which reopens in July 2012.

An exciting programme of free family activities will accompany the exhibition and there will be evening events for adults.

Activities at Leyton Library exhibition

Creative Kids (booking essential)

Wednesdays, 10.30am-11.30am during term time

Fun activities for children aged 3 to 5 to enjoy with their parents and carers.

Leyton Library, 8, 22 and 29 February; 7, 14, 21 and 28 March; 18 and 25 April

To book contact wmg.bookings@walthamforest.gov.uk or 0208 496 1465

My Family Portrait

Saturday 25 February, 12-3pm

Create a portrait of your family and learn to draw like an artist. For families with children aged 11 and under.

Leyton Library, drop-in, no booking necessary

Friday Late: Carpet Weaving

Friday 2 March, 5pm-8pm

Live demonstration of carpet weaving and the chance to have a go at weaving a Turkish or Persion Knot. For adults.

Leyton Library, drop-in, no booking necessary

Volunteering Open Day

Thursday 8 March, 11am-3pm

Find out about volunteering at the exhibition and the William Morris Gallery

Leyton Library, drop in, no booking necessary

Peacock Tales

Saturday 31 March, 12-3pm

Listen to enchanting stories about peacocks from different cultures around the world and make feathered eye masks. For families with children aged 11 and under.

Leyton Library, drop-in, no booking necessary

School groups

Bring a school group and visit Leyton Library in the same day. Teachers' Notes and a collage activity sheet for KS1 and 2 are available.

To book contact 020 8496 1090 or lib.leyton@walthamforest.gov.uk

Free teachers' evening Friday 2 March 5.30pm-7pm

Support the William Morris Gallery Development Project

‘'Fabulous building, amazing collections, fantastic project - please support it'’ – Tony Robinson, Honorary Patron of the William Morris Gallery.

The project will cost almost £5,200,000. We are extremely fortunate to have received a major award of over £1.5 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund matched with £1.5 million from the London Borough of Waltham Forest. Other trusts and foundations are also supporting us, but to raise the remainder we need your help - please support us!

Major exhibition at Two Temple Place

Whilst we are closed for redevelopment, the William Morris Gallery is delighted to be partnering with Two Temple Place on the London Embankment to deliver a major exhibition showcasing highlights from our collection. William Morris: Story, Memory, Myth (27 October 2011- 29 January 2012) looks at how Morris told stories through pattern and poetry and examines the tales that were most important to him, such as the works of Geoffrey Chaucer, Norse saga, Arthurian legend and Greek myth.