William Morris Gallery and Beyond
Radical Landscapes
public programming
October 22nd - February 18th 2024
Through Radical Landscapes, William Morris Gallery expands beyond its walls into the surrounding green spaces of Waltham Forest. This ambitious season of events invites everyone to investigate, celebrate and explore the natural landscapes of the borough and consider how they continue to change and evolve.
Radical Landscapes is a major exhibition showing over a century of art inspired by the land. The exhibition that will explore the natural world as a space for artistic inspiration, social connection, and political and cultural protest through the lens of William Morris, one of Britain’s earliest and most influential environmental thinkers. Organised in collaboration with Tate Liverpool, the exhibition will display work spanning two centuries and feature more than 60 works by artists including JMW Turner, Claude Cahun, Hurvin Anderson, Derek Jarman, Jeremy Deller and Veronica Ryan.
At a time of increasing concerns around the climate crisis, Radical Landscapes sets out to consider the relationships between each other, nature, systems and uncertain futures. By actively examining the different relationships at play in Waltham Forest, especially highlighting inequalities around access to nature and involving community-run organisations and artists, we seek new narratives and ideas that can contribute to a more equitable and environmentally responsible borough.
Against the backdrop of over a decade of austerity, Covid 19 and the cost-of-living crisis, many of us are experiencing a state of anxiety with marginalised members of our community most at risk. As such, a trip to a park, gardening or taking a walk is recognised as increasingly important, including within social prescription and wider forms of health care. The Radical Landscapes programme of events introduces new opportunities and places for our local communities to find wellbeing and relaxation.
Organised in collaboration with local artists, community organisations and partners.
Artists:
Maya Campbell
Community Apothecary
Michaela Davis
Epping Forest Heritage Trust
Epping Forest Visitor Center
Fourthland
GEM Family Hike
The Gleaner's Cafe
HERVISIONS
The Hive
Abel Holsborough
Zeynep Kaserci
Langthorne Park Youth Club
Leytonstone Toy Library
Graeme Miller
Simon Olmetti
Organic Lea
misery
Emily Rand
Stories and Supper
Social Sculptures
As part of the Radical Landscapes Public Programme we commissioned 3 local artists to produce work examining the social, culture and environmental specificities found within Waltham Forest.
Linked by Graeme Miller
Sound walks - Saturday 25th Nov, 20th Jan, 17th Feb between 11 am and 4pm
Leytonstone Library and along the M11 Motorway
Concelead along the three-mile route, 20 transmitters continually broadcast hidden voices, recorded testimonies and rekindled memories of those who once lived and worked where M11 motorway now runs evoking a cross section of East London life.
Small Things Are Possible by Abel Holsborough
Vestry House Museum and William Morris Gallery
An immersive artwork spotlighting Windrush Generation allotment holders in the borough and exploring their relationship to the land.
Wild Wired! Rewilding Encounters of Langthorne Park by HERVISIONS
Langthorne Park and William Morris Gallery
Inspired by William Morris' proto-ecotopian novel News From Nowhere, HERVISIONS digital art studio presents an exciting speculative public artwork exploring the natural environment and landscapes of Langthorne Park, produced in collaboration with local park users, Langthorne Park Youth Club and Leytonstone Toy Library.
Activities and Events
Serene Sketching at Lloyd Park – 21 October – 18 February, 10am to 5pm
Based on Ruskin’s art theory on “truth to nature”, this drawing pack and its prompts aim to help visitors slow down and take a closer look at the nature around them, and the beauty of Lloyd Park
Radical Landscapes: London’s Epping Forest at Epping Forest Visitor Centre, Chingford – 21 October to 18 February, 10am to 4pm
Through 200 years of popular prints and images, this exhibition explores the shifting balance of power and control over the land now known as Epping Forest.
Land We Dream with Fourthland – at various locations and on multiple dates
Culture, stories and climate. Welcoming intergenerational and interfaith groups to workshops exploring how lands and symbols offer new ways of looking at the climate and the stories of our time. Workshops, film screenings and walks.
GEM Family Hike – Walthamstow Marshes & Wetland – First Sunday of the month, 2pm to 3pm
A slow paced walk for families. No booking required. Meet at the grass field next to Coppermill Fields Car Park, E17 7HG
Welcoming Global Ethnic Majority families @GemFamilyHike
Learn English in the Garden with Organic Lea – 4 October to 15 November, Wednesdays 10.30am to 2.30pm – FREE
English lessons and gardening skills in a small friendly class. Gain work experience, meet new people and enjoy a healthy lunch. At 115 Hawkwood Crescent, Chingford E4 7UH.
Forest Bathing at William Morris Gallery – 10am and 1pm
Sponsored by William Morris At Home. Forest Bathing activities in Lloyd Park, in the grounds of William Morris Gallery. With the Forest Bathing Institute.
Supporting and caring for your body after birth – Community Apothecary – 18 November, 10.30am to 12.30pm
Exploring cross-cultural practices with foods, herbs, body recovery and support through the transitional time following birth. A workshop led by Community Apothecary.
Stories and Supper – Celebration Supper Club – Thursday 7 December at William Morris Gallery
Stories & Supper brings refugees, asylum seekers and the local community together over food and stories, to create a different migration narrative. Join Stories & Supper at this festive supper club, celebrating their new cookery videos, allotment harvest and community residency at William Morris Gallery.
Mindful Mapping – 15 January, 10.30am to 12pm at William Morris Gallery
Inspired by artists JMW Turner and Hurvin Anderson from the Radical Landscapes exhibition, this guided painting session will encourage artists to consider their emotional response to the landscape. Welcoming participants aged 60 and over.
Queer Stone Circle – 3 February, 12.30pm to 3pm at Lea Bridge Library and Walthamstow Marshes
With artist Simon Olmetti. A workshop and collective ritual to create a temporary mini stone circle of painted and reclaimed small rocks. Welcoming the LBGTQIA+ community, friends, and allies.
Waltham Forest: A Radical Landscape – 31 January
Join us for a special event bringing together our Radical Landscapes commissioned artists: Abel Holsborough, Zaiba Jabbar and Graeme Miller. The event will include a panel discussion followed by a private view of the Radical Landscapes exhibition. The artists will be exploring how their memories and experiences of Waltham Forest and home have influenced the social sculptures that they have created across the borough.
Film Night: Radical Landscapes – 8 February
Join us for the resurgence of Film Night at William Morris Gallery, showcasing four films by independent filmmakers who each explore the themes of the natural world as a space for artistic inspiration, spiritual connection, and political and cultural explorations.
Nightwalk with Misery – 17 February, 4pm to 9pm
Inspired by various social movements such as Right to Roam, Reclaim the Night and the mass trespass of Kinder Scout, William Morris Gallery and The Hive present Nightwalk an evening packed full of outdoor and creative activities. Mental health collective and sober club night organisation, misery, will be providing music and workshops throughout the night. At The Hive and Epping Forest.
Radical Landscapes: Sonic Documentation
Based on ideas of creative accessibility, our online sonic documentation is a way for people to access a sample of our wider programming online, for anyone who was not able to attend. Focused on themes of connection to nature, biodiversity, and the importance of learning through trying new things.
