William Morris Gallery in London reopens after major rehang
The William Morris Gallery in Walthamstow, northeast London, reopens on 3 October after a revamp that transformed six gallery spaces. It is the first major overhaul since its redevelopment in 2012, according to The Art Newspaper.
The date marks 130 years since the death of William Morris, the Victorian designer, writer and activist at the centre of the collection. The museum is housed in a Grade II-listed manor, a building legally protected for its historic interest, where Morris lived as a teenager. It holds what is described as the world's most comprehensive collection of his work across design, writing and activism.
Architect Sam Jacob led the rehang, the fresh ordering and display of works across the rooms. Gallery director Hadrian Garrard oversaw the project. The changes start at the front door.
A hand-blown lamp by designer Stewart Hearn now hangs above the entrance. Inside, the entrance-hall information desk has been remade in copper. The metal is no accident.
Morris's father invested in the Devon Great Consols Mine in Tavistock, southwest England, and family wealth drew on that mine. A master engraver was asked to inscribe words in memory of the mine workers onto the new desk. The desk puts that history in front of every visitor on arrival.
The building shut for the summer for what the gallery calls its Renewal Project 2026, which began on 22 June, according to the William Morris Gallery. Deeney's Café kept trading during the closure, with access from the rear of the building. The gallery says its purpose is to share Morris's rich artistic and social legacy.
The October reopening also brings a new exhibition, Earthly Paradise, listed to open on 3 October in gallery posts on Instagram. The gallery has not yet published full programme details. Visitors are advised to check opening hours before travelling.
For visitors, this means a familiar house with a different route through it. Six rooms have changed. The manor, the park and the café remain where they were.
