THE William Morris Gallery has been awarded a £1.5million grant.
The cash injection, announced by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) today, will be spent on refurbishment and an extension to provide more exhibition space.
A learning centre and tearoom will also be created, along with a library and meeting room.
The grant is being matched by £1.5million from Waltham Forest Council.
The museum, in Walthamstow's Lloyd Park in Forest Road, is based in the former childhood home of the acclaimed 19th century writer and designer.
The announcement follows years of uncertainty over the museum.
Its future was threatened in 2007 when the council slashed its budget and laid off long-serving staff, despite protests from residents and other gallery supporters.
Cllr Geraldine Reardon, cabinet Member for leisure, arts and culture, said: “This is the culmination of a great deal of hard work on the part of gallery staff and the Friends of William Morris Gallery and the whole borough owes them a debt of thanks.
“With a new exhibition and events programme, more people are already visiting the gallery, but this award will enable us to transform it into a more beautiful and useful art gallery, museum, learning centre and meeting place we can be even more proud of.
"This work will dovetail with the HLF-funded redevelopment of Lloyd Park, providing a first-class attraction for residents and visitors alike.”
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, together with fascinating personal items relating to William Morris' life, 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.
"I would like to thank and pay tribute to all the staff at the gallery who have worked so hard to achieve this."
The grant forms part of a £15million round of awards given out by the HLF today.
Other beneficiaries include historic sites such as York Minster and the National Museum of the Royal Navy in Portsmouth.
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