Monday, August 10, 2015

Discovering Walthamstow: Town Hall, Lloyd Park, and the William Morris Gallery


Hey! How was your weekend? I hope you had a good one. On Saturday morning, John and I set off to try a Swedish bakery that a friend had recommended to us. Unfortunately, it was closed, so we grabbed coffees and pastries from another cafe and walked to Lloyd Park instead.

It was so sunny and warm even at 10:00 a.m.!

On our way, we passed the incredible-looking Waltham Forest Town Hall, which I'd never seen before, but did that classic drive-by thing of lowering my sunglasses and mouthing, "WOW" as we walked by. The beautiful art deco building and the adjacent assembly hall also hosts concerts, exhibitions and other major events in Walthamstow.

Have you ever read The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand? It was one of my favorite books as a teenager; I could totally imagine Howard Roark pulling up to this building.

After gawking at the town hall for a lot longer than necessary, we made our way to Lloyd Park and sat in the garden behind the William Morris Gallery, enjoying our coffee and cake while John listened to the Ashes (cricket) commentary on the radio.

I felt incredibly calm and relaxed after the hectic week we'd had.




After marvelling at the gorgeous wild flowers in the garden and making a loop through Lloyd Park, we dropped into the gallery to learn a little more about the man behind those beautifully intricate floral patterns (he's famous for his striking wallpaper and tile designs). I loved learning about William Morris's history: I particularly admired his guts as a maverick and power player of the Arts and Crafts movement. Textile design might not sound very exciting, but the politics behind Morris' choice (he was a committed socialist) to become an artist was fascinating. (And to be honest, I'm interested in anything remotely related to interior design at the moment!)

He was born in Walthamstow and his family home has now been transformed into the gallery - the moat, where his family would fish and boat in during the summer and ice-skate on in the winter, still remains and the bridges and surrounding foliage resemble a Monet painting. Isn't that amazing? Imagine having a moat to skate on all to yourself!

I loved the peacefulness of the park and gardens. It seemed like the perfect way to begin a lazy Saturday. Where's a place near your home that you can go to just to sit and collect your thoughts?

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18 comments

  1. We're lucky to have a couple of nearby parks we can relax in & watch the wold rush past - but I want a moat!!

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    1. WHO DOESN'T WANT A MOAT?!? Might try and convert that gross puddle in our garden now ...

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  2. I saw the town hall on your Instagram, and I want someone I know to throw a party there, that building is A-MAZ-ING!

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    1. I know, Annmaree - it's so beautiful! It looks even more stately and grand in person than it does in the photo ... it's really tall and regal. I'm definitely going to look up some concerts/events there! I'd love to see the inside.

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  3. I'm lucky to live near some of London's gorgeous and more quieter parks, this is also a very beautiful one though I've never been there!
    Lots of love,
    Angie
    SilverSpoon London

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    1. You ARE, Angie! And you're right: I think the "quieter" element is the key. I love London because there are so many incredible green spaces to escape to!

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  4. It's nowhere near my home, but I like going to Alexandra Palace and sitting in the park there to collect my thoughts. It's just really peaceful. I had no idea Lloyd Park was so jaw-droppingly gorgeous! That last photo is like a painting. Beautiful colors!

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    1. You know, I've never been to Alexandra Palace, Gianni - and I'm dying to go! I definitely have to, after your recommendation! I love the last photo too :)

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  5. That looks like a steady nice park and I totally see what you're saying with Howard Roark dreaming up that town hall.
    I've appreciated parks more since living in London so a requirement is always living next to one! I currently reside near Brockwell Park (which is massive!) but am also close to Dulwich Park, which is gorgeous.

    Honey x The Girl Next Shore

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    1. Thanks for dropping by, Honey! I'd love to visit Brockwell Park and Dulwich Park as well ... I think we are so lucky to have so many green spaces in London.

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  6. I used to live in Tottenham Hale but never made it over to Walthamstow - now I wish I had made the effort! I live in Brixton now and love Brockwell Park - it's so huge and never feels crowded! x

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    1. I've heard so many good things about Brockwell Park this week, Hannah! I must visit x

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  7. So nice to get a bit of a break in the crazy town of london. Those gorgeous flower colours are beautiful.xx

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    1. Totally agree, Zoe! Thanks so much for stopping by to read xx

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  8. How good, you can loose yourself in the beauty of that park and your photos. Happy memories of visiting Lloyd Park - even in the pouring rain!

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