Designed by Philip Dalton Hepworth following a competition in 1929, this Portland Stone-clad building is an icon of Waltham Forest. Incorporating Art Deco and Nordic Classicism styles there is also a strong William Morris influence.
Completed in 1941 the war years had a profound impact on the design and finish of the building and the rooms within. Steel doored bunkers in the basement were initially used as civil defence headquarters. These remain alongside one-way air valves which protected against bomb blasts.
Various sculptures adorn the building including a series by Irish sculptor John Francis Kavanagh who was influenced by the artist Henry Moore, whose work The Arch is currently on loan to the Council and stands nearby.
Extensively refurbished between 2020 and 2021 this building is one of the jewels of Waltham Forest.
The tour route takes in the foyer which includes items previously in the history room, the council chamber, the basement rooms plus the grounds including the newly created Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Garden.
Led by Joanna Moncrieff, a qualified City of Westminster and, Clerkenwell and Islington Tour Guide who for the past 12 years has created and led walks both in Central London and her own neighbourhood in Walthamstow and Chingford.