William Morris Gallery
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It is quite often said there is no greatest form of compliment than imitation. However, inspiration to look at someone else's work, projects, chosen path or lifelong dedication to a single task, and to be or become inspired in such a profound way that your own being starts to create something of its own - now that is the truest of compliments. This is no doubt the case of
William Morris, an artist with such appeal, grace and profoundness, he managed to embody his work into numerous homes around Britain and the world.
Where?The
is easily accessible by public transport.
London UndergroundNearest station: Walthamstow Central and Blackhorse Road, both Victoria Line. Then take a short 15 minute walk to find the gallery.Bus from Walthamstow Central and Blackhorse RoadFrom Walthamstow Central, take the exit for the bus station. You can get bus numbers 34, 97, 215, 275, or 357 to Bell Corner (5-6 minutes). Turn left into Forest Road and the Gallery is about 100m down on the right.From Blackhorse Road station, take bus 123 towards Ilford and alight at the Lloyd Park stop, which is right in front of the Gallery (10-15 minutes). You can also walk from Blackhorse Road station to the Gallery along Forest Road (20-25 minutes).
National RailNearest National Rail station: Walthamstow CentralTake the train from London Liverpool Street Station (Chingford Line) to Walthamstow Central station (about 15 minutes). You will find the gallery a short 15 minute from the station.
About the house.This Georgian house was built in the 1740s in Lloyd Park, Walthamstow and was William Morris' home from 1848 to 1856 (14 to 22 years old).
The house is nestled amongst gleaming ponds, numerous robust trees, a myriad of flowers and bountiful greenery, making it easy to recognize where his enthusiasm may have sprouted from. Originally known as The Winns Water House, these names derive from the ornamental moat at the back of the house. From its original construction in 1744 to the modern day, the house has embraced numerous changes, demolition, renovation and extensions.
About William Morris.(24 March 1834 – 3 October 1896) Born in Walthamstow, Essex. Morris grew up in a middle-upper-class family. The son of a financier for Sanderson & Co and his mother the descendant of a wealthy bourgeois family from Worcester.During his childhood, Morris spent much time at home reading novels by Sir Walter Scott, exploring the forest, fishing, riding his pony, gardening and observing nature.
Morris's father died unexpectedly in 1847, forcing the rest of the family to sell their large Woodford Hall house and move into the humbler Water House (now the William Morris Gallery).
After much-disliked experiences in boarding houses, Morris started studying Classics at Oxford University. It is here where his enthusiasm for Medieval art, design and architecture commenced and became entwined with his existing love and deep interest in nature.
After finishing university, he married Jane Burden and became good friends with Pre- Raphaelite artists Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Edward Burne Jones, as well as Neo-Gothic architect Philip Webb, together, they designed the Red House in Kent where Morris lived for 6 years.
At the short age of 27, Morris founded the "Morris, Marshall, Faulkner &Co", a decorative arts firm where he collaborated with Burne- Jones, Rosetti, Webb and others. During its early years, the firm became the source of opposing views: those who liked the eccentricity and innovation of Medieval-inspired designs, and those who preferred the traditional Victorian style. However much contention, the firm gained momentum and popularity, embedding itself in many homes through elaborate tapestries, patterned wallpaper, fabrics, furniture and heavily ornate stained glass windows.Fourteen years later, Morris assumed total control of the firm, renaming it "Morris & Co".
Amongst his many achievements, Morris was also inspired by his many visits to Iceland and produced a series of translations of Icelandic Sagas. Deeply influenced by John Ruskin, he actively rejected industrial manufacture and promoted traditional hand craftsmanship in decorative and arts and architecture, he was a firm believer in making decor affordable to all classes.He published poems and novels, founded the Society for the Protection of Ancient buildings, became a social activist, founded the Socialist League and the Kelmscott Press, publishing limited edition books during his final years.
His trajectory is as rich and colourful as
his designs and patterns, with layers and layers of intricacy and detail, Morris has transcended history through his vision, divergent style and innovative views. His legacy to this world is not only the aesthetics of his designs but merely the concept that something so trivial, such as wallpaper, can be a revolutionary, ideological work of art in anyone's home.
To this day Morris & Co. still
produces and collaborates with many homewares and design companies around the world to carry on William Morris' legacy.
The Gallery.
A beautiful Georgian house in Lloyd Park, the space is airy and crisp, without having lost any of its historical charm. Surrounded by nature in every direction and conveniently located close to amenities and numerous eateries.The gallery spans over the entire two-story house. The tour is short but heavily informative and full of original displays, quotes, items, furniture and detailed explanations about William Morris's life, the house's construction and history, the firm's trajectory and of course pattern construction, materials, dyes and anything you wish to know about the craft.The beautiful light-filled stairway leads to the temporary exhibits and of course a splendid view of the adjacent gardens and moat.
The lower level also comprises a
well-stocked shop with a carefully curated array of Morris & Co. merchandise , in a variety of designs and patterns: scarves, aprons, notebooks, purses and oven mitts, candles and tote bags, all crafted in beautiful quality and affordable prices.
Through a small hallway beside the shop, you will find a modern yet warm
coffee shop, it is half indoors half outdoors overlooking the back gardens and Lloyd Park. The best spot to start your tour with or finish your day with a treat and hot/cold drink.
Entrance to the gallery is free, even if you live far away or your accommodation in London is not nearby, it is well worth the journey and a must for anyone wanting to do something highly nourishing to the sight and the soul.
The gallery is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm.%%Contact details:Lloyd Park, Forest RoadWalthamstow, London, E17 4PP020 8496 4390
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The venue.
If you have been highly enamoured with the space, history and the man who lived in this house, you will be glad to know the is
available for hire and is a licensed venue for marriages and civil partnerships.
Another way to become involved in the history of this house is to volunteer at the gallery,
click here for more information.
Facilities and access.
All exhibit rooms, levels and amenities are accessible.
To view detailed information about the gallery facilities and access -
please click here.
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66666 - 2023-01-20 02:15:14