Local artist Johanna Melvin reflects on what’s been a renaissance of sorts for the once struggling Lloyd Park art space

After a fallow stretch, both before and since Covid-19, Winns Gallery – a hidden gem of an art venue in Walthamstow’s Lloyd Park – is now experiencing something of a renaissance by showcasing a rolling programme of the local artistic talent that abounds in the borough.

Since the start of 2024 and as a result of a local campaign to revive the gallery, we have had fun with Tigers in the Park via the works of Justin Coombes, Angry Dan and others; pondered questions and histories with the paintings of local artist and filmmaker Barry Bliss; celebrated Animalia with four women artists from Blackhorse Lane Studios; and delighted at the knitted works of Groucho Club pianist and knitter, Rod Melvin, in a two person show with myself.

The most recent exhibition Making the Cut… was all about collage and featured works by the Dolores Rocket Collective. All these exhibitions have brought well over 3,000 visitors through the gallery doors, including local art lovers, leading contemporary artists, Royal Academicians and top London Gallerists.

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As the summer unfolds there promises to be many more exciting, interesting and engaging exhibitions to follow at Winns Gallery, featuring painting, film, ceramics and mixed media.

For those not on social media, just take a stroll through the pleasant gardens behind The William Morris Gallery, and you will find Winns Gallery nestled behind the Park Cafe. Exhibitions will be open most weekends; all exhibitions are free of charge, family appropriate, and will no doubt contribute to a ‘summer of culture’ in Walthamstow that William Morris would no doubt approve of.

Find out more about upcoming exhibitions: Winns Gallery Instagram

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