Walthamstow release ground breaking kit design

In a world first collaboration between a museum and football club, William Morris Gallery and Walthamstow FC have teamed up to launch a new kit and training apparel for the 23/24 season, produced by British sports manufacturer Admiral, to support the club’s journey as it climbs the football pyramid and establishes a new women’s team in the area.

The project, devised by Wood Street Walls, a London based art collective, selected the pattern “Yare” from the museum’s archives for both home and away kits - designed by John Henry Dearle sometime after 1892. It was block printed on cotton at Merton Abbey and features scrolling green leaves with flowers in shades of pale blue, red and yellow on dark blue background. John Henry Dearle (1859-1932) was a British textile and stained-glass designer trained by William Morris who was much influenced by the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. Dearle designed many of the later wallpapers and textiles released by Morris & Co. and contributed background and foliage patterns to tapestry.

The home kit features a V neck tonal dark blue and light blue jersey and matching shorts. The away displays a vibrant replica of John Henry Dearle's original design with an aqua coloured round neck collar and trim. Full access to the gallery's archive was given, allowing the design team to explore the full collection of textiles and wallpaper to choose the pattern which was digitally re-drawn and colour matched to be sublimated onto the clothing, taking over a hundred hours of research and design.

Both Wood Street Walls and Walthamstow FC will use a percentage of the sales to help establish a new women’s football team for the borough.

Such has been the demand, the products are already almost entirely sold out- the club shop is here- but they are hoping for more stock soon, and anyone who purchases a season ticket will be in the draw to win one.

Follow the Pitching In Isthmian League on Instagram. Head here or search for theisthmianleague on your app. We're also on Facebook and Twitter.