Pine cone, string and ribbon for decoration making

Mini Morris

Jingle Bells

WORKSHOPS

Thursday 19 December 2024

In December we will take inspiration from all things Morris and make festive decorations using natural materials and bells to spread cheer and good will!

Our youngest artists are invited to join us at the Gallery to create their very own jingly, jangly festive creation to take home and display.

Mini Morris sessions are now DROP IN ONLY. FREE. Donations welcome.

Choose from:

  • 10:00am to 11:00am.
  • 11:45am to 12:45pm.

As this can be a messy session, please wear or bring old clothes. Aprons are available.

All sessions include the craft activity, singing and a snack to take away.

Drop in with limited capacity. Please arrive on time and sign up at the front desk.

A minimum of one adult per 2 children. Mini Morris sessions are ideal for children aged 2- 4 but anyone under 5 years old is welcome. We regret we cannot accept any children over 5 at these sessions.

Image: Birds in a Holly Tree wallpaper (1890s), designed by Charles Voysey

Uncovering Similarities

William Morris and Art from the Islamic World

TALKS AND DISCUSSIONS

Friday 29 November 2024

NOW SOLD OUT!

Part of the William Morris & Art from the Islamic World events and activities programme.

Take a deep dive into the themes of the exhibition William Morris & Art from the Islamic World  with three introductory talks about the links between William Morris’s designs and the Islamic art that inspired him.

With the exhibition’s co-curators Rowan Bain and Qaisra Khan, and Navid Akhtar, producer and journalist.

The talks are followed by a discussion, Q&A and special curator-led tours of the exhibition.

Timings

  • 6pm: Doors open
  • 6.30pm: Introductory tour (optional)
  • 7pm: Talk with Navid Akhtar
  • 7.20pm: Talk with Qaisra Khan
  • 7.40pm: Talk with Rowan Bain
  • 8pm: Discussion followed by audience Q&A

About the speakers

Rowan Bain is the Principal Curator of William Morris Gallery, where she oversees the collections, exhibitions and public programme. She is the co-curator for the exhibition William Morris & Art from the Islamic World. Past exhibitions include Althea McNish: Colour is Mine (2022), Kehinde Wiley: The Yellow Wallpaper (2020) and May Morris: Art & Life (2017). She is the author of William Morris’s Flowers (2019), co-author of May Morris Arts & Crafts Designer (2017) and contributed to Women Pioneers of the Arts and Crafts Movement (2024).

Qaisra M. Khan has a degree in Law and an MPhil in Oriental studies both from the University of Cambridg, and an MA in Islamic Art and Architecture from SOAS, University of London. She worked for the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha and co-curated the groundbreaking exhibition Hajj: Journey to the Heart of Islam at the British Museum in 2012. Qaisra has lectured and broadcast widely on Islamic art and since 2014 has been a curator at the Khalili Collection in London. She is co-curator of the exhibition William Morris & Art from the Islamic World.

Navid Akhtar is an award winning Producer and Broadcast journalist, with over 25 years of experience in UK television and broadcasting for the BBC, Channel 4, BBC Radio 4 and the World Service. Navid was a Senior Producer on the 2013 Ramadan Season at Channel 4, producing a series of 30 Ramadan reflections and the first ever-Muslim ‘Hipster’ call to prayer, broadcast on UK television. In 2015 he founded Alchemiya.com, a streaming platform that showcases Muslim art, culture and history. In 2009 he developed and presented William Morris and the Muslims ‘on BBC Radio 4.

Free Community Tours: William Morris & Art from the Islamic World

TOURS

Saturday 9 November 2024 - Sunday 9 March 2025

THESE ARE NOW FULLY BOOKED UNTIL THE END OF THE EXHIBITION RUN. SEE THE WHAT’S ON FOR DATES AND TIMES OF FREE-DROP IN TOURS.

William Morris & Art from the Islamic World is the first exhibition to explore the influence of art from the Islamic world on William Morris, one of Britain’s most important nineteenth century designers and thinkers. Curated by Rowan Bain, Principal Curator, William Morris Gallery, and Qaisra M. Khan, Curator of Islamic Art. Read more about the exhibition.

We are welcoming local community groups, faith groups and charities for free tours of the exhibition.

  • Tours are available Monday to Friday
  • Exhibition opens 9 November 2024 and closes 9 March 2025
  • The Gallery is closed to the public on Mondays, should your group wish to visit at a quieter time
  • Group capacity: 15 people
  • Free of charge

NOTE: These tours are being organised specifically for existing groups and organisations within the community. If you are an individual or a group of friends wishing to attend a free tour, please check our What’s On for the next drop-in curator-led tour. These are also free of charge and do not require a booking.

Image: Exhibition photography by Nicola Tree for William Morris Gallery

Patterned cushion cover, Turkish, in red and gold

Special curator-led tour of William Morris & Art from the Islamic World

TOURS

Wednesday 5 March 2025

The first exhibition to explore the influence of art from the Islamic world on William Morris, one of Britain’s most important nineteenth century designers and thinkers. A principal founder of the Arts and Crafts Movement, William Morris was responsible for producing hundreds of patterns for wallpapers, furnishing fabrics, carpets and embroideries, helping to introduce a new aesthetic into British interiors. While it has long been acknowledged that Morris was inspired by Islamic art, this is the first exhibition to examine this important aspect of his artistic journey in depth.

See the exhibition with one of our curators as your guide.

Read more about the exhibition here.

Image: Cushion cover (çatma), 17th century, Bursa, Turkey (Ottoman). © Birmingham Museums Trust

 

Special curator-led tour of William Morris & Art from the Islamic World

TOURS

Wednesday 12 February 2025

The first exhibition to explore the influence of art from the Islamic world on William Morris, one of Britain’s most important nineteenth century designers and thinkers. A principal founder of the Arts and Crafts Movement, William Morris was responsible for producing hundreds of patterns for wallpapers, furnishing fabrics, carpets and embroideries, helping to introduce a new aesthetic into British interiors. While it has long been acknowledged that Morris was inspired by Islamic art, this will be the first exhibition to examine this important aspect of his artistic journey in depth.

See the exhibition with one of our curators as your guide.

Read more about the exhibition here.

Image: Plate, early 17th century, Iznik, Turkey (Ottoman), fritware, polychrome underglaze painted, glazed. © The Society of Antiquaries of London (Kelmscott Manor)

Special curator-led tour of William Morris & Art from the Islamic World

TOURS

Wednesday 22 January 2025

The first exhibition to explore the influence of art from the Islamic world on William Morris, one of Britain’s most important nineteenth century designers and thinkers. A principal founder of the Arts and Crafts Movement, William Morris was responsible for producing hundreds of patterns for wallpapers, furnishing fabrics, carpets and embroideries, helping to introduce a new aesthetic into British interiors. While it has long been acknowledged that Morris was inspired by Islamic art, this will be the first exhibition to examine this important aspect of his artistic journey in depth.

See the exhibition with one of our curators as your guide.

Read more about the exhibition here.

Image: Casket, 19th century, Iran (Qajar), steel with gilt decoration. © The Society of Antiquaries of London (Kelmscott Manor)

Stained glass of angel with harp

Mini Morris

Colours & Light

WORKSHOPS

Thursday 21 November 2024

In November our youngest artists are invited to join us at the Gallery for crafting inspired by the stained-glass window designs in the Gallery’s collection.

Using tissue paper and cellophane to create stunning stained-glass effects, we’ll be making our own colourful windows to take home and brighten up any space.

Mini Morris sessions are now DROP IN ONLY. FREE. Donations welcome.

Choose from:

  • 10:00am to 11:00am.
  • 11:45am to 12:45pm.

As this can be a messy session, please wear or bring old clothes. Aprons are available.

All sessions include the craft activity, singing and a snack to take away.

Drop in with limited capacity. Please arrive on time and sign up at the front desk.

A minimum of one adult per 2 children. Mini Morris sessions are ideal for children aged 2- 4 but anyone under 5 years old is welcome. We regret we cannot accept any children over 5 at these sessions.

Image: Praising Angel (1902), designed by Edward Burne-Jones, manufactured by Morris & Co

Winter Late

at William Morris Gallery

SPECIAL EVENTS

Thursday 21 November 2024

Join us on Thursday 21 November, for a special Winter Late event as we keep the Gallery open after hours to celebrate the season. We’re excited to welcome local charity PL84U AL-SUFFA, who will be hosting a food bank donation station at the Gallery throughout the evening. Bring your friends, family, and food donations to support this important cause and enjoy a festive night with us.

Our evening programme includes festive music throughout the evening and late night shopping at the William Morris Gallery Shop. 

You can also join us for:

Crafts

  • Create a Victorian Yuletide pomander
  • Make your own gift bag using Morris wrapping paper
  • Drop-in activities available on the first-floor landing, starting at 5pm and running until 8pm
  • Suitable for children (aged 5+)

Singing from the Little Choir of Joy, part of the Waltham Forest Music Service.

Curator-led tours – Join tours of William Morris & Art from the Islamic World exhibition:

  • 6pm, 7pm
  • Sign up at the front desk to participate

Deeney’s Cafe at William Morris Gallery – Sip on mulled wine and  a variety of seasonal treats

PL84U AL-SUFFA Food Bank – You’ll find the PL84U AL-SUFFA team in our ground floor cafe throughout the evening. The following items are currently most needed by the food bank: tuna, chickpeas, tinned fruit, tinned tomatoes, oil, sugar, teabags, coffee, sardines, corned beef, pasta, lentils/legumes.

Read more about PL84U AL-SUFFA.

Admission is FREE.

Image: Medway, 1885, designed by William Morris for Morris & Co., cotton, indigo discharge and block-printed © William Morris Gallery 

Supporters and partners

Family Day

The Magic of Storytelling

WORKSHOPS

Saturday 16 November 2024

November’s Family Day will be taking inspiration from the new exhibition William Morris and Art from the Islamic World.

Join us on a colourful journey across borders, countries, and time. Encountering mythical creatures and fairy tale characters along the way. Celebrating art, culture and the magic of storytelling. Facilitated by Elias Mattar a Palestinian play specialist, drama therapist, director and storyteller.

Activities will take place on the Gallery’s first floor Landing. These free, drop-in sessions are open to all. Stories will be most appropriate for ages 5+

All children must be accompanied by an adult.  

 

About Elias Matar

Elias Matar is a Palestinian play specialist, drama therapist, workshop facilitator, performer, director, and founder of the El Bayet Centre for Performing Arts & Drama Therapy. Elias holds an MA in Drama and Movement Therapy from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London. And has a BA in Social Theatre and Education.

Image: ‘Isfandiyar Relaxes a While on his Way to Zabul’, 1620, illustration from the Shahnameh (Book of Kings) by Ferdowsi, Gorgan, Iran (Safavid). ©The Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge

Reclaiming Narratives Through Art: Black History Month

Waltham Forest Twinning Association

WORKSHOPS

Saturday 12 October 2024

This free art workshop celebrates this year’s Black History Month theme: Reclaiming Narratives

With artists Sharon Foster and Jacqueline McFarlane, explore different techniques like drawing, collage and printing, inspired by contemporary Black British artists, while interacting with a curated collection of historical and modern images that aim to challenge traditional representations.

All materials will be provided. Takes place in the Learning rooms on the top floor of William Morris Gallery. Ask at front desk on arrival.

The project is funded by the Fellowship Fund – London Borough of Waltham Forest.

Waltham Forest Twinning Association are part of the William Morris Community Residency programme.

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