The Legend of King Arthur

The Legend of King Arthur

A Pre-Raphaelite Love Story

EXHIBITION

Friday 14 October 2022 - Sunday 22 January 2023

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The Legend of King Arthur: A Pre-Raphaelite Love Story explores the legend of King Arthur within the Victorian imagination, presenting national myths and legends through the eyes of Pre-Raphaelite artists.

The Legend of King Arthur: A Pre-Raphaelite Love Story explores the legend of King Arthur within the Victorian imagination, presenting national myths and legends through the eyes of Pre-Raphaelite artists.

King Arthur is a central figure in English folklore, a fictional 5^th century ruler who led his famous knights in various battles and quests. The Arthurian stories are told through numerous works by various authors from the 9^th century onwards. The telling and retelling of the legend culminated in the English author Thomas Malory writing down the stories in a single work in 1485, Le Morte d’Arthur.

The Arthurian legends fell out of interest at the end of the Middle Ages but were rediscovered in the early 19^th Century, initially by poets such as Walter Scott and Alfred Tennyson. William Morris and Edward Burne-Jones read these poems obsessively whilst at Oxford University and drew from them – and the myths that inspired them – for artistic projects throughout their careers.

This exhibition tells the Arthurian stories as presented by Malory, through the work of Pre-Raphaelite artists Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Arthur Hughes, John William Waterhouse and William Morris alongside lesser known female Pre-Raphaelite artists Eleanor Fortescue-Brickdale and Elizabeth Siddal. The show will introduce audiences to the Arthurian legend within the context of reawakened interest in medievalism in Victorian England.

Curated by Natalie Rigby, Falmouth Art Gallery and Ainsley Vinall, William Morris Gallery, this is the exhibition’s first stop on a nationwide tour of locations associated with King Arthur. Following its debut at the William Morris Gallery, the exhibition will tour to Tullie House, Carlisle in February 2023 before finishing its run at Falmouth Art Gallery in Cornwall in June 2023. This exhibition was made possible with Art Fund support and is also kindly supported by Visit Cornwall, Visit England and Cornwall Museums Partnership.

To coincide with the exhibition, the William Morris Gallery has commissioned London-based contemporary artist Joy Gregory to create an installation exploring international myths and legends. Visit the installation upstairs in our Story Lounge. Read more

Image: The Arming and Departure of the Knights Tapestry, Morris & Co., (1891-4)

Dialled In: The Park

An all-day arts and music festival

SPECIAL EVENTS

Saturday 22 July 2023

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An all-day arts and music festival showcasing South Asian culture, arts and creativity.

Dialled In are back in Waltham Forest this Summer for Dialled In: The Park in Lloyd Park and William Morris Gallery.

Festival performers include drummer, composer and producer Sarathy Korwar, power-house singer-songwriter and Sarangi player Amrit Kaur, Tamil artist PRVNA whose infectious blends have already become renowned, rising singer-songwriter sister duo Qazi & Qazi, as well as a slew of secret special guests.

Look forward to workshops and activities including intimate poetry from Mehfil, a botanical walk with Misery and jewellery-making with Anisha Parma, all interlinked with our latest exhibition Ashish: Fall in Love and Be More Tender. We’ll also be running festival activities at the Gallery, along with free tours of the exhibition.

DJs during the day include producer and DJ Ahadadream, Club Kali co-founder DJ Ritu, Bahrain duo party starters Dar Disku, Pakistan-based DJ Lyla, sister duo Sanasesh & Rishy Malik, Representation co-founder Yasser, Pakistani-Egyptian musician and writer Aisha Mirza and British-Tamil producer, selector and curator GoldTooth back-to-back with My Panda Shall Fly. Plus special guests on the mic.

Performances will take place across two stages in Lloyd Park with activities in the Park and in William Morris Gallery. The festival welcomes visitors of all ages and aims to bring together the local community.

Activities include:

Slogan T-Shirt Making – Inspired by Ashish Gupta’s notable slogan t-shirt designs, design and create your own slogan t-shirt. Bring an existing plain t-shirt to upcycle – basic t-shirts can be provided if you’re not able to bring one. Bookable from Tues 18 July for ticketholders.
Easy Embellishments Pop-Up – Find the beauty in your existing accessories and garments as we elevate the everyday through upcycling, embellishment, and adornment. Please bring an accessory, piece of clothing, or other item you wish to work with. Bookable from Tues 18 July for ticketholders.
Collective Collage Making – With magazines, paper, cutouts, stickers, pens and more, unleash your creativity and share your vision onto a collective collage board throughout the day. The collective collage will act as a living document of the event, as well as a legacy piece which will be displayed digitally after the event. Drop in throughout the day.
Community Clothes Swap – Come with something old, leave with something new! A clothes swap to breathe new life and love to your preloved clothing. Bring an item to exchange for another. It’s free, sustainable, and helps the community. Drop in throughout the day.

Artwork by Mumbai-based designer and artist Shweta.

This event is supported by London Borough of Waltham Forest.

Festival map:

Belle, colourful and creative storyteller, is pictured with an array of rainbow colours in background

Family Day

Rainbow Storytime for Waltham Forest Pride

WORKSHOPS

Saturday 29 July 2023

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Celebrate Waltham Forest Pride on Saturday 29 July with a special Family Day at William Morris Gallery.

Join us for Rainbow Storytime with the colourful and creative Belle, who’ll be telling stories that highlight the beauty of difference and inclusivity. We welcome LBGTQIA+ families, friends, and allies.

Drop in for free storytelling sessions at 2.40pm, 3.10pm, 3.40pm and 4.10pm. While you listen to the stories, we have a Pride flag colouring-in activity to enjoy. Numbers are limited for each of the storytelling sessions so please arrive in plenty of time – sign up sheets for each session will be available at our front desk on the day.

We offer a break-out sensory space for any children requiring some time away from the activities. Whilst you’re at the Gallery, pick up a Family Trail for ‘Ashish: Fall in Love & Be More Tender’ and complete it to win your prize! You can also take part in Waltham Forest Pride celebrations all day, just down the road at Waltham Forest Town Hall.

Read more about Waltham Forest Pride here.

Waltham Forest Pride activity programme: Waltham Forest Pride 2023 Programme

Ashish Gupta at this exhibition with mannequins in the background in Ashish designs

In Conversation with Ashish

With Ashish Gupta and Avani Thakkar

TALKS AND DISCUSSIONS

Wednesday 14 June 2023

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Join us for an ‘In Conversation’ with Ashish and Avani Thakkar followed by an exclusive private view of the exhibition.

Join us for an In Conversation with Ashish and Avani Thakkar. Together they’ll be taking a deep dive into Ashish’s expansive career and how his penchant for juxtaposition and contradictions led him to create such colourfully mischievous collections in response to the social fabric of our world.

The talk will be followed by a private view of the exhibition Ashish: Fall in Love and Be More Tender.

Please ‘pay what you can’ for your ticket. Our suggested donation is £7.50 in person or £5 online.

6pm – Doors open
6.30 – 7.30pm – Talk followed by Q&A
7.30 – 8.30pm – Private view
8.30pm – End

The event will be live captioned. Please note that the live streaming has been cancelled. A recording of the talk will be uploaded to our YouTube channel following the event.

Ashish Gupta is a celebrated voice in international fashion. He has won the prestigious NEWGEN award three times and has been included in major exhibitions and presentations at The Victoria & Albert Museum, London and The Metropolitan Museum, New York. Ashish’s designs have been worn by global icons including Beyonce, Debbie Harry, Hunter Schafer, Rihanna, Charli XCX and Taylor Swift.

Avani Thakkar is a fashion and culture writer with words in Vogue, ELLE, Dazed, i-D, gal-dem, W, Nylon, The Observer, InStyle and other publications.

Image © Dave Bennett Photography

Creative Kids

William Morris' Garden

WORKSHOPS

Thursday 20 July 2023

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Our Creative Kids sessions are monthly craft activity workshops for children aged 2 to 5 and their carers.

At our July sessions we’ll be thinking about William Morris’s love of the outdoors. So we’ll take a tour around the William Morris Garden in a ‘spot the flower activity’ and make paper plate flowers inspired by nature.

As this can be a messy session, please wear or bring old clothes. Aprons are available. The session is best suited for children 2 to 5 years old. Two sessions available, booking is essential.

All sessions include a tour of the gallery, the craft activity, singing and snack time. There are two 1hour and 30min sessions to choose from, at 10am and 1pm. Please register for one session only to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate. If you are unable to attend please cancel your booking so that another child can take your place. In the event of cancellations, a number of walk-in slots will be available on the day.

We have a space for buggy parking and our baby changing facilities have spare nappies, wipes, clothes and a few other items you might need.

There is a sensory area for under 2s or for those who need a calmer space, families are also welcome to use this space if they need to step away from the main session.

Please be aware that children must be accompanied by their adult at all times, and please ensure there is at least one guardian per 3 children attending.

Image: © William Morris Gallery, London Borough of Waltham Forest

Catwalk image with model wearing Ashish designs

Creative Kids

Fabulous Fashion

WORKSHOPS

Thursday 15 June 2023

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Our Creative Kids sessions are monthly craft activity workshops for children aged 2 to 5 and their carers.

In our June sessions we will be inspired by the Gallery’s current exhibition, Ashish: Fall in Love and Be More Tender. Make a cape and transform your everyday clothes!

As this can be a messy session, please wear or bring old clothes. Aprons are available. The session is best suited for children 2 to 5 years old. Two sessions available, booking is essential.

We have a space for buggy parking and our baby changing facilities have spare nappies, wipes, clothes and a few other items you might need.

There is a sensory area for under 2s or for those who need a calmer space, families are also welcome to use this space if they need to step away from the main session.

Please be aware that children must be accompanied by their adult at all times, and please ensure there is at least one guardian per 3 children attending.

Image: © Chris Moore

Family Day

Elevate the Everyday

WORKSHOPS

Saturday 3 June 2023

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You’re invited to a special Family Day in June, celebrating Ashish:Fall in Love and Be More Tender.

Inspired by Ashish Gupta’s use of recycled vintage fabrics and vintage patches to create collage garments for his SS2020 collection, we’re going to bring old clothing to life with colourful badges and patches. So come along and get creative – for families with children of all ages. Whilst you’re at the Gallery, complete the Ashish Family Trail and claim your prize!

This is a free, drop-in event. No booking necessary. We have a break out sensory space for children needing a break from activities (must be supervised by their grown-up).

Radical Landscapes

Art inspired by the land

CURRENT EXHIBITION

Saturday 21 October 2023 - Sunday 18 February 2024

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Radical Landscapes is a major exhibition showing over a century of art inspired by the land.

Radical Landscapes is an exhibition that explores the natural world as a space for artistic inspiration, social connection, and political and cultural protest through the lens of William Morris, one of Britain’s earliest and most influential environmental thinkers. Organised in collaboration with Tate Liverpool, the exhibition displays work spanning two centuries and features more than 60 works by artists including JMW Turner, Claude Cahun, Hurvin Anderson, Derek Jarman, Jeremy Deller and Veronica Ryan.

Delving into ideas of freedom, exploitation and trespass, the exhibition reflects on how British landscapes have been read, accessed and used across social, class and racial lines, as well as the current global climate emergency, starting from Morris’ own relationship to and love for the land. Through the works on display and an expansive public programme, visitors are encouraged to engage with the Gallery’s surrounding borough of Waltham Forest, once a rural outpost and now an urban London borough, where Morris was born and which shaped his environmental and political views.

Organised in collaboration with local artists, campaigners, foodbanks and allotments, the public programme will run alongside the exhibition, and expand beyond the Gallery’s walls into the wetlands, forests and green spaces of Waltham Forest. The programme will invite participants to reassess their relationship with local landscapes and respond to the climate crisis. Read more about the programme.

Radical Landscapes is organised in collaboration with Tate Liverpool, where a first version of the exhibition was shown from 5 May to 4 September 2022.

The exhibition is curated by Darren Pih, Chief Curator and Artistic Director, Harewood House; Laura Bruni, Curator of Exhibitions, Henry Moore Foundation; Matthew Watts, Assistant Curator, Tate; Hadrian Garrard, Director, William Morris Gallery; and Rowan Bain, Principal Curator, William Morris Gallery.

Image: Helen and her Hula-hoop, Seacoal Camp, Lynemouth, Northumberland 1984 © Chris Killip Photography Trust/Magnum Photos. Courtesy Martin Parr Foundation.

Read the full press release here.

Radical Landscapes: Sonic Documentation

Based on ideas of creative accessibility, our online sonic documentation is a way for people to access a sample of our wider programming online, for anyone who was not able to attend. Focused on themes of connection to nature, biodiversity, and the importance of learning through trying new things.

Created by Sarah Brundson & Eric King. With special thanks to: Jan Ackenhausen, Area Regeneration Project Manager for Waltham Forest Council, Michaela Davis and her cyanotype animation film ‘Great Sale Wood’, Kelly Frank and her Mindful Mapping art, OrganicLea and their ESOL courses, and Stories and Supper, our community residency group.

Radical Landscapes: Soundscape

Visitors to Radical Landscapes can experience an ambient soundscape recorded and produced by Eric King to accompany the News From Nowhere installation, which forms part of the exhibition.

The field recording was made at noon, on the summer solstice in 2023 at the nearest part of Epping Forest to Morris’s childhood home, Woodford Hall.

Hear the soundscape here:

Radical Landscapes playlist

A ramble through music and the British countryside to enjoy at home, at the Gallery or in the great outdoors. Curated by Eric King as part of the Radical Landscapes exhibition.

Listen on Spotify Or scan the code below using the Spotify app:

Supporters and partners

Exhibition highlights

The Lake, Petworth, Sunset; Sample Study, c. 1827-8 Joseph Mallord William Turner, Tate Britain

Greenham Common 'Embrace the Base' Protest, 12 December 1982, Jenny Matthews © Jenny Matthews, Format Photographers at Bishopgate Institute

Self Portrait c.1928, Claude Cahun. Courtesy of Jersey Heritage Collection.

The Lake, Petworth, Sunset; Sample Study, c. 1827-8 Joseph Mallord William Turner, Tate Britain

Greenham Common 'Embrace the Base' Protest, 12 December 1982, Jenny Matthews © Jenny Matthews, Format Photographers at Bishopgate Institute

Self Portrait c.1928, Claude Cahun. Courtesy of Jersey Heritage Collection.

Rezia Wahid: dancing in the womb

Book launch

SPECIAL EVENTS

Saturday 20 May 2023

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Celebrate the launch of Rezia Wahid’s new book dancing in the womb

The book foregrounds the making, the processes and the physicality of a woven artform.’Susie Campbell

Come and celebrate the launch of Rezia Wahid’s new book dancing in the womb, a colour hardback with stunning photographs by Paul Tucker and essays by the late Simon Olding, Catherine Harper and Hettie Judah. Rebecca Jacobs will host a conversation with Rezia, Paul Tucker and Sangeeta Banerjee, followed by a book signing and refreshments.

Rezia Wahid MBE is a textile artist and designer based in Walthamstow. dancing in the womb is published by Hesterglock Press.

Maids of Honour embroidery by May Morris

Creative Kids

May Morris’s Extraordinary Embroidery

WORKSHOPS

Thursday 18 May 2023

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Our Creative Kids sessions are monthly craft activity workshops for children aged 2 to 5 and their carers.

In May, we’ll be doing a special craft activity inspired by May Morris’s extraordinary embroidery.

All sessions include a tour of the gallery, the craft activity, singing and snack time. Please register for one session only to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate. If you are unable to attend please cancel your booking so that another child can take your place. In the event of cancellations, a number of walk-in slots will be available on the day.

As this can be a messy session, please wear or bring old clothes. Aprons are available. We have a space for buggy parking and our baby changing facilities have spare nappies, wipes, clothes and a few other items you might need. There is a sensory area for under 2s or for those who need a calmer space, families are also welcome to use this space if they need to step away from the main session.

Please be aware that children must be accompanied by their adult at all times, and please ensure there is at least one guardian per 3 children attending.

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