Free tour

Walthamstow Market to William Morris Gallery via three incredible artists' studios

5.00

Excellent(2)

London

Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Languages: English

Guru: Sue

Registered on 3 March 2026

Hi I'm Sue Wheat, long-time resident of Waltham Forest in East London. With so much negativity in the world at the moment, I want to introduce you to the many amazing artists, community projects and areas of natural beauty in the borough! My mission is to show you how resilience, hope, talent and understanding are alive and well!

Free reservation and cancellation

Pay-what-you-want tour, no set price, reservation and cancellation are free

Tour description

Led by long-time Walthamstow resident Sue Wheat, this art-filled walk starting at Walthamstow Library main entrance next to Walthamstow Central tube/bus/train station is short in distance (less than a mile) but will give you unique access to some wonderful artistic and community spaces!

We will walk from the Library down Hoe St and will reach the world-famous William Morris Gallery at the end (William Morris was the artist behind the Victorian arts and crafts movement, as well as being an incredible philosopher, political activist, traveller, and writer).

On the way, we’ll meet three amazing artists, all in their own studios (ceramicist Yanire Silva Delgado, Matthew McKenzie, owner of antique letterpress studio Paekakariki Press, and Kirsten Schmidt in her arts and crafts shop complete with miniature print press). They are all creating art just as William Morris suggested – connecting with nature, community, and prioritising beauty and skill. This is a very special chance to see inside their beautiful studios!

We’ll also drop into the newly refurbished, iconic Soho Theatre, which was nearly lost to the community but has now reopened and is an incredible local venue, as well as pass by vibrant street art and community spaces on the way.

Good Life Tours is all about inspiration and connection! At a time when division and bad news is overwhelming, these tours will champion the beautiful things that are happening in Waltham Forest and tell stories of resilience, hope and understanding.

The tour is 2.5 hours, but if you spend time at the William Morris Gallery or Lloyd Park you will want to add on more time for yourself.

Pay-As-You-Feel. With 3 studio tours plus a theatre and a world-renowned gallery this is a very special tour, so the suggested fee is £25-40 but less is also acceptable depending on your circumstances. We don't want anyone to miss out!

Highlights

What will we see on this tour?

Meeting point:

Walthamstow Central Library

10.20-30 Arrive – Look for Sue at Walthamstow Central Library main entrance by the benches – I always wear yellow or orange! Please arrive 5-10 mins early for a prompt start. The library is in Walthamstow town square on the High St (the top of the market), very close to the bus, Underground and overground stations.

Free entry

Soho Theatre Walthamstow

Short walk to Soho Theatre for a quick peak. Local people fought long and hard to save it – and you’ll see why!

Free entry

Greenleaf Road - Mitre Studios

Mitre Studios - a collection of hidden and unique studios. Yanire SD Studio – Yanire is an Ecuadorian artist whose ceramic work is marked by the colours of South America and by the sturdiness, hardship, and grounded spirit of Indigenous cultures. Also meet Matthew McKenzie owner of Paekakariki Press – where you’ll see a variety of large antique letterpresses in action and be able to view beautifully printed publications, particularly books by local poets. A very special place.

Free entry

Walthamstow Trades Hall

An incredible old-skool Working Men's Club (now Everyone's Club!) for music, dance, theatre, comedy and more.

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours don't have a fixed price. At the end, each person contributes to the guide the amount they consider fair based on their satisfaction. As a guideline, Guruwalk recommends between €15 and $50 per participant.