England's William Morris Gallery has been transformed to create a new world-class destination.

The Gallery promises to provide visitors with a personal insight into one of the foremost creative artists and original thinkers of the nineteenth century.

Among England’s most famous cultural exports, William Morris was a designer, craftsman, writer and political thinker. He was born in Walthamstow, England, and lived in Water House (now the William Morris Gallery) from 1848 to 1856 and his work has since inspired generations of artists, designers, writers and political thinkers.

Waltham Forest Council has driven the Gallery’s £5m redevelopment, and its transformation represents the Council’s commitment to arts and culture. The refurbishment also forms a key part of the Council’s wider plans to regenerate the borough and improve the area’s leisure offer for local people and visitors from further afield alike.

The 18th Century, Grade II* listed building has been completely refurbished, revealing many of the original Georgian features for the first time. The transformation delivers increased and fully refurbished exhibition space with three new galleries and the chance for previously unseen works to be displayed, a library, research and education centre and a new Georgian orangery-inspired extension housing a new tearoom and balcony overlooking the gardens.

Almost 600 objects will now be on display across 12 galleries.  Several artefacts are on display for the first time and arranged across six major themes exploring different aspects of Morris’ life. 

The collection housed at the William Morris Gallery is the only one in the world to represent all aspects of Morris’s work and the transformation of the building provides a unique opportunity for the visitor to become immersed in the life and works of this creative genius.

Chris Robbins, Leader of Waltham Forest Council, said: “William Morris once said ‘I do not want art for a few any more than education for a few, or freedom for a few’ and this sentiment really resonates with me on a personal level. Indeed, it’s part of the reason we set out to display more art to more people than ever before and it's also why entry to the Gallery remains free.

William Morris, born in Walthamstow in 1834, was a founder of the Arts and Crafts movement, supporter of the Pre-Raphaelites, a socialist pioneer, designer, craftsman and visionary, whose work still influences these fields today.

The redevelopment works in the Gallery have been carried out by Pringle Richards Sharratt Architects and made possible by funding from Waltham Forest Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) as well as many notable trusts, foundations, sponsors and The Friends of The William Morris Gallery.