March 2007

Hundreds turn out for Gallery Party
Against a most bitter wind, constant threat of rain and closure of Walthamstow Central Station we gathered on Saturday 24 March.

The event saw a tremendous coming together of people in protest and celebration. The William Morris Gallery was festooned with artworks, poetry, placards and banners. From a small stage people volunteered to read the words of Morris, others read their poems, Ros Kane led the assembly in singing Leon Rosselson’s wonderful News from Nowhere. A group of traditional musicians came from the local folk club and fiddle tunes danced on the wind.

We had messages of support from Tony Benn, historian Phillip Katz, leading Morris authorities Fiona McCarthy, Gillian Naylor and Linda Parry as well as the US William Morris Society.

There was a constant flow of visitors into the Gallery to marvel at the beauty of its collection. We didn’t forget for a moment the threat to Vestry House Museum. Passions run true and hopefully we will keep up the momentum.
Watch this space. Please email any images to info@keepourmuseumsopen.org.uk

24 March from 12 noon to 3pm in and around the William Morris Gallery, entrance to Lloyd Park, Forest Road, Walthamstow E17 4PP

There has been a fantastic response for the celebration of the birthday of William Morris on 24 March. From artists, musicians, writers right through local residents and schools furious at the planned council threat. On the day we want enough artworks to surround the gallery with colour. There will be music and dance, plus of course, many people enjoying a picnics in the Park. Poets will read from Morris’ work, Arts and Crafts historian Jan Marsh has agreed to speak and many other guests have been invited. Tony Benn has sent his best wishes and support for the day.

So all are welcome to come and celebrate, visit the collection and remember the threat to Vestry House and the Gallery. Saturday 24 March from Midday till 3pm. If weather fine we can picnic until the Park closes. See the Press Release for more information.

Public Meeting to Oppose Council Cuts
Town Hall, E17, March 20, 7pm

Please can as many people as possible come to tonights meeting at 7pm-8.30pm in committee room 3 at the Town Hall. This meeting will discuss the campaign of opposition to the never ending cuts and privatisations driven through by this council. Organised by Nancy Taaffe (campaigns officer, Unison) This is a cross union initiative and is an attempt to link up the people who use the service with the people who deliver it. It is an attempt to set in place a campaign that will challenge the councillors, perhaps drawing up plans to stand against them, combined with strike action and protests by the people who deliver the service. One thing is sure, if we do not draw a line in the sand then there will be no public services left, the hallmark of a civilised society.

Please see the The Friends of William Morris Gallery newsletter for a summary of news from Martin Stuchfield. The newsletter is a Word document and will open in a new window.

We are seeking to ensure that the debate goes on regarding the William Morris Gallery and Vestry House Museum, as many of us see it as the “thin end of the wedge” regarding the future of all Arts and Culture provision within Waltham Forest. Please join us tonight at the North Chingford Community Council, to join the debate and support The Gallery and Museum.

7.30

Chingford Foundation School
Nevin Drive, Chingford,
London E4 7LT

The online petition set up in the US is being signed by over a hundred people a day. The local Guardian has also published an article about it this week.

Following a productive meeting of artists and local residents at the
Hornbeam Centre on 27 Feb, a celebration of the life of William
Morris has been planned.

A fun and lively event for local people and families will take place to
coincide with Morris’s birthday on 24 March from midday (location tbc).
Artists are invited to bring their work to form part of a living art
exhibition in celebration of Morris and his ideas. To participate,
contribute and for more information please email roger.huddle@ntworld.com

Referring to the proposed cut in opening hours at William Morris Gallery and Vestry House Museum, Conservative leader Cllr Geoff Walker said: “Both parties opposite seem hell bent on causing maximum disruption and disquiet within both our society, and now it seems, judging by post I received, repercussions right across the North Atlantic divide.

“What is it about you both that has such a disregard of our national heritage and indigenous culture that you feel able to dispense with adequate support for the arts, not to mention adult education?” he demanded.

His colleague Cllr Eric Williams claimed that along with the £56,000 coming out of budgets in 2007/8, the administration was planning a further £49,000 of reductions in the next financial year.

In a speech which drew cheers from the public gallery, he said together the savings represented half of the museums’ budget and accused ruling councillors of undermining a £4m lottery bid for which the gallery is aiming.

He also accused council leader Clyde Loakes of saying that he did not care about the two venues.

Cllr Loakes responded, shouting across the gallery and jabbing his finger in the air.

He said: “I focus on the arts, I focus on festivals. There’s more people going to our festivals in one day in Leytonstone that go to Vestry House in one year.

“All the nonsense you have read in the papers about the museums closing, it’s just that - nonsense.”
See the Guardian’s website