Spare Time

The William Morris gallery is one of the very few arts venues in the borough. Situated on the Forest Road in Walthamstow, it was the birth place of the acclaimed Georgian artist, William Morris.

Scholars from around the world visit and study in this gallery, but soon this could all change.

Currently, the gallery is open Tuesdays to Saturdays and one Sunday a month. However, if the Councils cost cutting plans go ahead, it’s opening will be restricted to the weekends.

Councillor Naz Sarkar, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Arts and Culture says it should be open when it’s used the most.

He says:

“I think it’s most important to open it when people have got available time. Most people have got time on Saturdays and Sundays.”

School parties will be able to attend during the week by appointment. But, The Friends of the William Morris Gallery are furious at the proposals. They think tourists and the retired are not being considered and have called a public meeting to discuss the plans.

They also feel the Council is showing no confidence in the Gallery and believe it could lead to its eventual closure.

Martin Stuchfield from Friends of the William Morris gallery says :

“I’ve dubbed it the thin end of the wedge. I firmly believe as do my supporters that by closing the gallery during the week, visitor numbers will fall and when the visitor numbers fall, the London Borough of Waltham Forest will eventually close it.”

The Council has said the gallery will not be shut down as campaigners fear. Cllr. Naz Sarkar has also assured the Arts community that the changes will not scupper a major Lottery bid they were hoping to secure. A grant that would see the gallery expand and fully refurbished.

Praising Angel

To watch a video feature on this Gallery click on the link at the top of the page.

To email your views on this story write to your Waltham Forest Reporter: ramaa.sharma@bbc.co.uk