THE UK is home to many amazing galleries and museums but one gallery in one of the UK’s coolest neighbourhoods is closing for the entire summer.
The William Morris Gallery in Walthamstow, East London, will be partially closed from June 22 and then fully closed between July 20 and September 20 as part of a huge upgrade.
However, the onsite cafe will be closed for less time, remaining open until July 26 and then reopen from August 8.
The closure comes as the free-to-visit gallery will undergo a massive overhaul with both building and visitor experience improvements, as well as the gallery’s items being moved around.
All the items currently inside the gallery, which include tiles, rugs and even the artist’s coffee cup, will be rehung and a number of new objects will be added to the collection.
The new items will be based around women’s history, South Asian and Islamic art and art themed on design, politics and the environment.
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The renovation of the gallery – which sits in the 18th-century manor house which was home to the artist and his family between 1848 and 1856 – will take place over several stages.
During the first stage, which will take place from June 22 to July 19, the first-floor galleries will be closed but the ground floor galleries, cafe and shop will remain open.
The second stage will take place from July 20 to 26, during which all galleries and the shop will be closed but the cafe will remain open.
Between July 27 and August 7 the entire building will be closed, with just the cafe reopening on August 8.
It won’t be until September 21 when the gallery will gradually start to reopen.
Though, the gallery will be hosting a number of events in the surrounding park over the summer including a family trail inspired by the gardens Morris loved and artist-led workshops.
Home to the world’s largest collection of Morris’s work, the gallery is also in one of London’s “most underrated” suburbs – Walthamstow – according to a number of visitors.
The destination has even previously been named the ‘coolest’ neighbourhood in the UK by The Telegraph.
Near to the gallery, you can head to God’s Own Junkyard, which is home to the largest collection of vintage and new neon signs in Europe and is free to visit.
The attraction is even home to some signs that have featured in big blockbuster movies such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Batman.
Make sure to head to Big Penny Social as well, which is home to a bar, restaurant, beer garden and events space.
The venue often hosts fun events too, from football viewings and flea markets.
Or for a nice walk, wander through Walthamstow Wetlands, where you can explore a number of paths and spot local wildlife.
There’s also many independent shops and cafes to dive into in Walthamstow Village, as well as cosy pubs for a tipple or Sunday roast.
If you want to try something more local, grab a bite to eat at the historic Walthamstow Market – Europe’s longest outdoor street market – such as Caribbean food and pie and mash.
The market is on each day except for Sundays and Mondays.