The William Morris Gallery in Walthamstow, east London, has been granted £1.5m by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

Home to the family of William Morris from 1848 to 1856, the gallery houses collections illustrating Morris' life, achievements and continuing influence, including woven and printed fabrics, ceramics, wallpaper, furniture and his political works.

The HLF award - which is to be matched by £1.5m from Waltham Forest Council (WFC) - will go towards a refurbishment and extension of the building, providing more exhibition space, a new tearoom, a learning centre with school space, a library and a meeting room.

Sue Bowers, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in the London region, said: "The William Morris Gallery is one of outer London's historical treasures. We are delighted that this grant will enable both the fabric of the building to be restored, and the important collections to be preserved and imaginatively displayed for visitors of all ages."

Bill Measure, chair of the Friends of William Morris Gallery, said: "This is great news and will give the gallery the things that are needed to expand and develop its already important role as a unique asset for our local community and as an international centre of excellence."

The funding application was submitted by WFC, its success following earlier news that the gallery had been awarded grants of £500,000 and £150,000 by two other charitable trusts.

Image: David Gerard