William Morris Gallery Reopens After Major Rehang and Restoration
On 3 October 2026, the William Morris Gallery in Walthamstow, northeast London, will reopen following its first significant renovation since 2012, marking the 130th anniversary of Morris's passing. The Grade II-listed venue has revamped six areas, reorganized its collection, and incorporated domestic elements designed by architect Sam Jacob. Director Hadrian Garrard highlighted Morris's view on the significance of everyday life. The renovation delves into Morris's complexities and showcases previously unseen items, including a dress belonging to his wife Jane and his banner for the Hammersmith Socialist League. A new initiative called 'Morris Today' is anticipated in 2027. Approximately £1.5m in funding was sourced from various trusts and Waltham Forest Council. The inaugural exhibition, Earthly Paradise: Radical Living in the UK, will be available from 3 October 2026 to 28 March 2027.
Key facts
- The William Morris Gallery reopens on 3 October 2026 after a major rehang and restoration.
- The project is the first major overhaul since the gallery's 2012 redevelopment and marks the 130th anniversary of William Morris's death.
- Six gallery spaces have been transformed, with new discoveries on view and a rearranged collection.
- Architect Sam Jacob led the redesign, emphasizing a domestic sensibility with local craftspeople and a hand-blown lamp by Stewart Hearn.
- Director Hadrian Garrard cited Morris's philosophy: 'the secret to a happy life is proper attention to the details of the everyday.'
- The rehang addresses Morris's contradictions, including a copper information desk referencing his father's investment in Devon Great Consols Mine and a room contrasting socialist red and picture gallery red.
- Unseen objects include a dress for Jane Morris, the Hammersmith Socialist League banner on loan from The Working Class Movement Library, and a lock of Morris's hair.
- The project was funded with around £1.5m from trusts including The Garfield Weston Foundation and the Wolfson Foundation, plus Waltham Forest Council.
- The reopening exhibition is Earthly Paradise: Radical Living in the UK, on view from 3 October 2026 to 28 March 2027.
- A new project space, 'Morris Today,' is expected to open in 2027.
Entities
Artists
- William Morris
- Sam Jacob
- Stewart Hearn
- Hadrian Garrard
- Jane Morris
- May Morris
- Jenny Morris
- John Carruthers
- Karl Marx
Institutions
- William Morris Gallery
- Morris & Co
- Tate Britain
- Hammersmith Socialist League
- The Working Class Movement Library
- The Garfield Weston Foundation
- Wolfson Foundation
- Waltham Forest Council
- Devon Great Consols Mine
Locations
- Walthamstow
- London
- United Kingdom
- Manchester
- Tavistock