Politicians back Morris

3:47pm Wednesday 21st February 2007

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VETERAN politician Tony Benn has thrown his weight behind the campaign against cuts to opening hours at the William Morris Gallery.

In a letter to Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell, seen by the Waltham Forest Guardian, he asks her to intervene to have the decision to cut back funding of the gallery in Lloyd Park reversed.

He sent a copy of the letter to council leader Clyde Loakes.

"It would be a major tragedy if this famous gallery were to be unable to carry on for the benefit of visitors from all over the world, and the financial savings would be derisory as set against the loss," Mr Benn writes.

The former MP for Bristol South-East and Chesterfield and minister in the Harold Wilson and James Callaghan governments is Labour's most august left-winger.

"William Morris was one of the very greatest artists and socialists who has ever lived," he added.

Chairman of the Friends of William Morris Gallery Martin Stuchfield said he contacted Mr Benn about the threat to the gallery and was very pleased he got involved.

"He viewed it with a great deal of seriousness and quite rightly because he is looking at it from a national point of view. I hope it has the desired effect," he said.

But Mr Stuchfield, also chairman of the Brangwyn Gift Trustees that looks after a multi-million pound art collection housed at the gallery, was sceptical that even a man of Mr Benn's standing could influence the councillors.

"They're so set in their ways, and they're so determined to destroy the cultural heritage of Waltham Forest, I don't think it would matter if the Lord God Almighty got involved," he said.

The final decision on the 2007-8 budget will be made by the full council on Thursay night, February 22.

LONDON'S Mayor has also shown support for keeping Waltham Forest's cultural attractions open.

Assembly member Darren Johnson asked Ken Livingstone if he was concerned about Waltham Forest Council's plan to cut opening hours to Vestry House Museum and William Morris Gallery during Question Time.

Mr Livingstone replied: "Vestry House Museum and William Morris Museum are both important cultural institutions offering unique collections. I am concerned that their future is secured for both current and future generations.

"This is doubly important given that Waltham Forest already has one of the lowest levels of cultural provision in the capital."

Mr Livingstone said he had met council leader Clyde Loakes to discuss the matter.