I only discovered the william morris gallery a few years ago. Once i did, i revisited from time to time. Delighted they had a £5 million redevelopment, i couldn’t wait to explore the new transformed gallery, which completed in august this year.
The william morris gallery is home to an internationally significant collection which reflects all aspects of the life and work of william morris, the revolutionary victorian designer, craftsman, writer and campaigner.
Shall we take a look?
Coming through the gates you approach this beautiful and imposing grade II listed building, morris’s family home from 1848-1856.
The new displays tell morris’s story, beginning with his early days in walthamstow, right through the success of his design business morris & co, as well as his campaigns for social equality and the environment.
The gallery has something to inspire everyone, from original wallpaper designs to stunning stained glass windows. You’ll find elaborately illustrated books and the satchel morris used to distribute socialist pamphlets.
Throughout the gallery you’ll encounter little corners with educational toys to occupy the little people. I found myself wanting to join in, but feared for uncomfortable stares from parents:)
Not only is the design contemporary and stunning. the attention to detail is inspiring.
One of my favourite parts of the new gallery are all the interactive activities. Here below visitors are encouraged to pin their views on a cause they’ll like to fight for in this day and age.
I loved this room. Here the displays are complimented by hands-on interactive exhibits and suitable for all ages.
This is where you can design and create your own repeated pattern, based on morris’s own design from nature. On the left of this photo there is a mirror. You are meant to choose the stencil shapes, place them at the edge of the paper and make sure they line up and join with their repeats in the mirror. Great, no?
Below you are encouraged to scale up a tapestry design. The black view finder is there to help you to select a detail. You choose the details and copy and scale until you have enlarged all of it.
Weaving with ribbons.
I wasn’t going to spoil things for you by photographing individual pieces but i just LOVED this!
The new extension now houses a wonderful tea room, with stunning views and an outdoor terrace overlooking lloyd park.
For those of you are not familiar with this fun light, let me introduce you to the campari pendant light by ingo maurer. I always enjoy seeing it in interiors and here it looked just fab.
The toilets were another highlight. What a great idea to use morris’s designs on the doors. LOVE the colours and patterns.
I know that the gallery is a little off the beaten track, but i urge you guys to go and take a look. Bring the kids, make an afternoon out of it and be enthralled by the works of one of the foremost creative artists and original thinkers of the 19th century.
I leave you with one of my favourite quotations:
Have a great weekend. See you monday!