Local cultural landmark, The William Morris Gallery, is to be closed for over a year for extension and refurbishment.
The £3m project includes building a new learning centre, tearoom, library and meeting room at the museum of the Arts and Crafts Movement in Lloyd Park, Forest Road. Refurbishment of the gallery space will allow far more works of art to be displayed and the Grade II* listed building that houses the collection will be conserved and enhanced. Half of the money has come from the Heritage Lottery Fund and this has been matched by the council.
The museum is the only public gallery devoted to William Morris, the world renowned 19th century designer, craftsman, writer, socialist and conservationist, and his Arts and Crafts Movement associates. Morris was born in Walthamstow in 1834 and lived at the house which is now the gallery from 1848 to 1856.
The museum will close its doors on Sunday 3rd April for at least 15 months.
