Architect refurbished listed building and created new extension

Pringle Richards Sharratt Architects’ transformation of the William Morris Gallery is due to reopen on August 2.

The scheme involved the £10 million refurbishment of the grade II* museum in Walthamstow which was once Morris’s family home, and a £3.7 million extension.

The 18th-century building, surrounded by restored gardens and a park, is the UK’s only gallery dedicated to the life and works of William Morris, the influential designer, decorator, environmentalist and political activist.

The refurbished exhibition space created three new galleries, a library, research and education centre and an orangery-inspired extension housing a tearoom and balcony overlooking the gardens.

The lottery-funded work has created 50% more exhibition space and increased the number of galleries from nine to 12.

John Pringle, a director at Pringle Richards Sharratt, said: “The main challenge was to design an extension which was in keeping with the main building, which was built in 1740, and was the home of Morris between 1848 and 1865.

“This is considered a very important building. There was a wing on the side of the building which was demolished in 1900. This project was about putting back a wing, but also conveying something of its new use. It is no longer a domestic house; it has been a gallery for 60 years.”