Event category: Free events

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

In October our youngest artists are invited to join us at the Gallery and make their own work of art using fruits and vegetables.

In this session we will use fruits and vegetables to make print blocks and explore pattern making. Create beautiful designs and decorate your very own tutti-frutti themed bag to carry home.

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.

Image: Fruit, William Morris, 1862  

Be inspired by the story of Beauty and the Beast by looking at the tiles that tell this enchanted tale in the Gallery’s collection – designed by Edward Burne-Jones. Then make an magical crown to wear and take home with you.

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.

Image: Beauty and the Beast (c. 1863-64). Designed by Edward Burne-Jones. Hand-painted by Lucy Orrinsmith.

Be inspired by nature and join us for a day of outdoor fun and creativity! Little ones will explore nature and make their own flower crowns.

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.

Image: Paula Corberan

Join us for an enchanting journey where music, storytelling, movement, and colours come together to celebrate our very own superpower – our individuality. Experience the magic of pride as we share the inspiring tale of Gilbert Baker and the Pride flag. Through interactive storytelling, sensory creations and movement, we will embrace self-love and express our unique brilliance.

We welcome all LBGTQIA+ families, friends, and allies.

Numbers are limited for each of the storytelling sessions and we do expect this event to be busy, so please arrive in plenty of time to sign up for a session at our front desk.

The activity is aimed at children aged 5-12 years but the whole family is welcome!

Activities will take place in Gallery on the First Floor Landing.

Session start times:

• 1pm
• 1.45pm
• 2.30pm
• 3.15pm

All children must be accompanied by an adult. 

Waltham Forest Pride 2024 takes place at Fellowship Square from 12pm to 8pm and is a short walk from the Gallery on Forest Road. With activities and entertainment for everyone, there will be stalls, food and drink, queer performances and more. Waltham Forest Pride is presented by local charity elop.

Get ready for a hands-on adventure into the world of pottery inspired by the beauty of nature! Join us for Mini Morris in June and dive into some Mingei-inspired clay art.

Mini Morris sessions are now DROP IN ONLY and please note that the times of our sessions have changed.

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

All sessions include a tour of the Gallery, the craft activity, singing and snack time.

Drop in with limited capacity. Please arrive on time and sign up at the front desk. A minimum of one adult per 2 children.

Embrace the harmony of nature and the timeless artistry of ceramics showcased in the Art Without Heroes: Mingei exhibition by crafting your own unique pot to treasure. Decorate your creation with delicate pressed flowers and fabric fragments, infusing it with your personal touch.

While we’ll provide all the materials that you’ll need, we encourage you to bring along any special pieces you’d like to incorporate into your design. You can also explore your artistic flair with our selection of carving tools, allowing you to carve intricate patterns and further personalize your masterpiece

The activity is suitable for children aged 5+ years.

All materials will be provided.

Activities will take place in Gallery on the Second Floor learning rooms

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

For May’s Family Day we have a full day of activities starting on Saturday morning!

Tsumugi weaving is a traditional Japanese craft inspired by the Mingei movement and developed by Living National Treasure Munehiro Rikizo. Join Munehiro’s granddaughter Tomo Yoshizawa for a deep dive in the design process of these unique textiles, as she showcases sketchbooks, weaving designs and sample threads alongside fabric from the Munehiro workshop. This is talk and demonstration (non participatory) from 10am to 12pm.

Then at 1pm, textile artist Mika Sembongi is hosting family sashiko workshops. The term sashiko means ‘little stabs’. Traditionally used for reinforcing or repairing clothes and damaged fabrics, the sashiko technique is now often used for decoration. Our Art Without Heroes: Mingei exhibition has some beautiful examples of sashiko, used to decorate a kimono and increase the durability of a pair of boots and clothing worn by rural workers. Mika will introduce this artform and teach you how to make a sashiko bookmark to take home.

Activites are suitable for children aged 5+ years.

All materials will be provided.

Activities will take place in Gallery on the First Floor Landing

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Discover the work of May Morris and create an embroidery piece using hessian scrim. Inspired by the birds in one of May Morris’s designs, we’ll be practicing our stitching skills and creating a piece of embroidery to take home.

Mini Morris sessions are now DROP IN ONLY.

Morning Session: 10am – 11.30am

Afternoon Session: 1pm – 2.30pm

As this can be a messy session, please wear or bring old clothes. Aprons are available. All sessions include a tour of the Gallery, the craft activity, singing and snack time. Drop in with limited capacity. Please arrive on time and sign up at the front desk.

Please note: One adult per 2 children.

In April we’re sharing William Morris’s love of books. Did you know he wrote one of the longest poems in the English Language? He set up his own printing company and produced beautifully designed books. Join us to make a print block based on the tale of Chanticleer and the Fox from the Kelmscott Chaucer to print on a small bag.

Mini Morris sessions are now DROP IN ONLY at both 10am and 1pm. FREE. Donations welcome.

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

All sessions include a tour of the Gallery, the craft activity, singing and snack time

In Japanese folklore, when an everyday object is over 99 years old it can gain a spirit. The spirit brings the object to life and gives it a mischievous nature. This concept is known as tsukumogami.

For our April Family Day we’re inviting you to step into the enchanting world of Japanese folklore as you design and create your own tsukumogami shadow puppets. From teapots to tongs, be inspired by the everyday objects in our latest exhibition, Art Without Heroes: Mingei.

The activity is suitable for children aged 5+ years.

All materials will be provided.

Activities will take place in the Gallery’s first floor lounge.

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Family Box clothes donations please!

Our Family Box contains all the essentials you may need for your under 5s when visiting the Gallery. We have nappies, wipes, bibs and spare clothes as well as sanitary items for yourself. These are free and available for anyone who needs them. Just ask at reception or the learning team during activities.

This Family Day we’re requesting under 5s clothes donations, if you have any items to spare. We always like to ensure that we include re-used and recycled products to reduce waste as much as possible. We’re currently looking for:

• 0-3 month vests, 8 needed
• 3-6 month vests, 6 needed
• 6-9 month vests, 6 needed
• 12-18 month vests, 4 needed
• 18-24 vests, 4 needed
• 2-3 years trousers/tops – 4 sets needed
• 3-4 years trousers/tops – 4 sets needed

Clothes need to be clean and in reasonable condition. Please give your donations to the front desk on arrival or to the activities team on the day.

Marking the opening of the Gallery’s new exhibition, Art Without Heroes: Mingei with a toast to William Morris for his 190th Birthday (24 March). Come along to a crafting session and create your own Kokeshi doll using a champagne cork. These workshops are inspired by the Kokeshi dolls that feature in the exhibition: hand-carved wooden dolls that form part of Japan’s rich folk-craft tradition.

Visitors can also enjoy the new family trail to accompany the exhibition. The activity is suitable for children aged 5+ years.

All materials will be provided.

Activities will take place in the Learning Studio on the top floor of the Gallery.

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

A big thank you to Hometipple who have provided the corks that we will be transforming into Kokeshi Dolls. To continue the celebrations Hometipple is offering 10% off wine and spirits bottles to take home, when you present your Kokeshi Doll at the shop (please note, this offer can only be used for one purchase per doll). Offer ends 30 April 2024.

Image: Kokeshi by Fujita Mitsuhara, courtesy of Sway Gallery London 

Creative Kids is now Mini Morris!

On 21 March we’re celebrating William Morris’s 190^th birthday with the launch of our newly named ‘Mini Morris’ craft workshops for 2 to 5 year olds. We’ll be getting inspired by the patterns and designs in the Gallery’s collection, making our own decorative plates and having a tea party!

Mini Morris sessions are now DROP IN ONLY at both 10am and 1pm.

Morning: 10am to 11.30am

Afternoon: 1pm to 2.30pm

As this can be a messy session, please wear or bring old clothes. Aprons are available. All sessions include a tour of the Gallery, the craft activity, singing and snack time.

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

Please note: One adult per 2 children.

FREE. Donations are always welcome and help to support our Learning programme.

William Morris was inspired by the nature surrounding his former family home. Follow a tree trail in Lloyd Park and then join us in the Gallery to make a Victorian puzzle purse for sending a Valentine message to your favourite tree.

Puzzle purses were used in Victorian times as love tokens: a piece of paper folded several times over to conceal and then reveal a message from one person to another. These puzzle purses were most often used on Valentine’s Day to send hidden notes. On each folded section the sender could write a line that the receiver could then read by opening the puzzle purse, fold by fold.

The activity is suitable for children aged 5+ years.

All materials will be provided.

Activities will take place on the first-floor landing in the Gallery.

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

If you’re coming along to the Gallery on the 14 February, you can also pick up a tree as part of Waltham Forest Council’s annual Great Tree Giveaway. From 12pm to 3.30pm in Lloyd Park.

Taking inspiration from The Garden by Derek Jarman (1990) which features in our Radical Landscapes exhibition, we will be creating our own sun print gardens using cyanotype paper and decorating the frames with natural forms.

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.

All sessions include a tour of the Gallery, the craft activity, singing and snack time.

These are FREE sessions but donations in support of our public programme are always welcomed and can also be made via the Eventbrite booking page if you are attending either session.

Booking information:

(BOOKING OPENS ON 4 JANUARY 2024)

Morning Session: 10am – 11.30am – Advance booking on Eventbrite. Please book tickets for all attendees.

Afternoon Session: 1pm – 2.30pm – Drop in with limited capacity. Please arrive on time and sign up at the front desk.

Image: Derek Jarman, The Garden, Courtesy & © Basilisk Communications

Taking inspiration from all things Morris, we will be making our own festive wreaths to spread cheer and good will!

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.

All sessions include a tour of the Gallery, the craft activity, singing and snack time.

These are FREE sessions but donations in support of our public programme are always welcomed and can also be made via the Eventbrite booking page if you are attending either session.

Booking information:

Morning Session: 10am – 11.30am – Advance booking on Eventbrite. Please book tickets for all attendees.

Afternoon Session: 1pm – 2.30pm – Drop in with limited capacity. Please arrive on time and sign up at the front desk.

Image: Birds in a Holly Tree wallpaper (1890s), Edward Voysey

Stained glass was a popular feature in Victorian times, when it was often used to personalise people’s homes. At our November Creative Kids sessions we’ll be looking at the beautiful stained-glass creations in our collection before making colourful windows to decorate your home with.

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.

All sessions include a tour of the Gallery, the craft activity, singing and snack time.

These are FREE sessions but donations in support of our public programme are always welcomed and can also be made via the Eventbrite booking page if you are attending either session.

Booking information:

Morning Session: 10am – 11.30am – Advance booking on Eventbrite. Please book tickets for all attendees.

Afternoon Session: 1pm – 2.30pm – Drop in with limited capacity. Please arrive on time and sign up at the front desk.

Image: Detail from Minstrel with Cymbals (1880s), designed by William Morris

Music, instruments, and music makers are a recurring theme in the work of Frank Brangwyn. Explore the Brangwyn galleries and be inspired to make your own musical instrument.

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.

All sessions include a tour of the Gallery, the craft activity, singing and snack time.

These are FREE sessions but donations in support of our public programme are always welcomed and can also be made via the Eventbrite booking page if you are attending either session.

Booking information:

Morning Session: 10am – 11.30am – Advance booking on Eventbrite. Please book tickets for all attendees.

Afternoon Session: 1pm – 2.30pm – Drop in with limited capacity. Please arrive on time and sign up at the front desk.

Image: Group Listening to Musicians, Frank Brangwyn c.1902

Discover the stories behind some of William Morris’s best loved patterns at our Creative Kids sessions for September.

William Morris loved to tell stories and the animals in his designs often came from ancient myths, classic children’s tales or the things that happened in his everyday life. At these sessions we’ll be making animal masks inspired by Morris’s patterns, telling stories and singing songs.

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.

All sessions include a tour of the Gallery, the craft activity, singing and snack time.

These are FREE sessions but donations in support of our public programme are always welcomed and can also be made via the Eventbrite booking page if you are attending either session.

Booking information:

Morning Session: 10am – 11.30am – Advance booking on Eventbrite. Please book tickets for all attendees.

Afternoon Session: 1pm – 2.30pm – Drop in with limited capacity. Please arrive on time and sign up at the front desk.

Image: Detail from Bird & Peacock by William Morris © William Morris Gallery

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

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.

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: © Chris Moore

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.

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