Upcycling: Honouring Tradition with Gary Mills & William Morris

Ever looked at something worn, faded, or "past its best" and wondered if it still had life left in it? That's the magic of upcycling: and this March, we're celebrating it in style.

As part of Women's History Month, we're hosting a special workshop that connects the dots between sustainable living, local history, and the fight for equality. On Thursday 26th March from 11am to 1pm, join us for Upcycling: Honouring Tradition with Gary Mills & William Morris right here at Health Defence Organics.

This isn't just about crafts. It's about reclaiming stories, reviving skills, and reimagining what's possible when we choose to repair rather than replace.

Why Upcycling Matters More Than Ever

We live in a throwaway culture. Fast fashion, planned obsolescence, and cheap mass production have trained us to bin things the moment they show wear. But upcycling flips that script entirely.

When you upcycle, you're not just saving something from landfill. You're:

• Reducing waste and your environmental footprint

• Saving money by breathing new life into what you already own

• Learning skills that connect you to generations of makers and menders

• Creating something unique that tells a story

It's a quiet rebellion against the idea that everything must be new, shiny, and identical.

William Morris: Hammersmith's Champion of Beauty and Justice

Here's where it gets interesting. Right here in Hammersmith, we're walking in the footsteps of one of history's most influential designers and social reformers: William Morris.

Morris wasn't just a pretty-patterns kind of guy (though his wallpaper designs are iconic). He was a radical thinker who believed that beautiful, well-made objects shouldn't be reserved for the wealthy. He championed craftsmanship, sustainability, and the dignity of labour: ideas that feel strikingly modern today.

Morris and Women's Rights

What many people don't know is that William Morris was a passionate advocate for women's rights. He supported women's suffrage at a time when it was deeply controversial. He believed in equality, education, and economic independence for women: and he put his money where his mouth was.

Morris worked alongside pioneering women in the Arts and Crafts Movement, including his daughter May Morris, who became a renowned embroiderer and designer in her own right. He created opportunities for women to learn trades, earn fair wages, and be recognised for their skills.

His workshop model valued the hands that made things: regardless of gender. In an era when women were often excluded from skilled trades, Morris's circle was refreshingly progressive.

The William Morris Museum in Hammersmith

If you've never been, the William Morris Museum is just a short walk from our shop. Housed in Morris's former Georgian home, it's a treasure trove of his designs, writings, and the story of the Arts and Crafts Movement.

The museum celebrates not just Morris's work, but the collaborative, community-focused philosophy he championed. It's a reminder that design, craft, and social justice have always been intertwined.

What You'll Learn with Gary Mills

Our workshop leader, Gary Mills, is a prolific upcycler with a knack for looking at everyday “rubbish” and seeing a brilliant second life. He’s passionate about connecting historical craft traditions with modern sustainability: and he’s not limited to crochet squares or patchwork quilts.

Over two hands-on hours, Gary will guide you through an upcycling mindset that applies to all kinds of objects, from the simple to the obscure: the stuff you normally throw in the recycling without a second thought.

The History of Upcycling

Long before "upcycling" became a trendy hashtag, people were adapting and reimagining whatever they had to hand: jars, bottles, scraps, offcuts, and odd bits that could be made useful again. Gary will explore how repair and reuse have been cornerstones of working-class resourcefulness: and how the Arts and Crafts Movement elevated these skills into an art form.

William Morris's Philosophy in Practice

Morris famously said: "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful." Gary will show you how this principle can guide your approach to upcycling: creating pieces that are both functional and deeply personal.

Hands-On Techniques

You'll get practical experience working with materials and learning basic techniques you can take home and apply straight away. Gary’s aim is to get you comfortable upcycling the kinds of things you already have: not just the obvious, but the weird little bits too.

Here are a few imaginative examples of the sort of transformations you’ll be exploring:

• Jars (Jam, Sauce, Baby Food): turned into hanging lanterns with string, spice containers, bathroom storage, or mini terrariums layered with pebbles and moss.

• Glass bottles: repurposed into vases, soap dispensers, or even garden edging.

• Plastic bottles: cut down into colourful planters for herbs.

• CDs/DVDs: broken into pieces to create mosaic effects on photo frames or mirror borders.

Whether it’s practical storage, home décor, or something purely playful, you’ll leave with fresh ideas, plus the skills and confidence to start spotting upcycling potential everywhere.

The Environmental Case for Upcycling

We'll look at the real impact of waste in our modern world: and how upcycling isn't just nostalgic; it's one of the most effective things we can do for the planet.

Why This Fits Women's History Month Perfectly

March is Women's History Month, and this workshop honours the women who've kept craft traditions alive across generations.

Think about the women in your own family. The ones who darned socks, turned collars on shirts, made quilts from scraps, or transformed hand-me-downs into something special. These weren't just thrifty habits: they were acts of creativity, resilience, and care.

The Arts and Crafts Movement gave women like May Morris a platform to be recognised as serious artists and businesswomen. It challenged the idea that "women's work" was less valuable than "men's work."

When we upcycle today, we're continuing that legacy. We're saying that the skills traditionally associated with women: mending, making, repurposing: are not only valuable but essential.

Who Should Come?

This workshop is for anyone curious about:

• Sustainable living and reducing waste

• Local history and the Arts and Crafts Movement

• Learning practical, creative skills

• Connecting with like-minded people in the community

You don't need any previous experience. Whether you're a complete beginner or someone who already loves a good DIY project, Gary will meet you where you are.

Practical Details

Date:Thursday 26th March Time:11am - 1pm Location: Health Defence Organics, 132a King Street, Hammersmith, London W6 0QU Cost: To be confirmed

Book your free place (via Eventbrite):https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/upcycling-the-art-of-creative-transformation-with-gary-mills-tickets-1983037834545?aff=oddtdtcreator

Spaces will be limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.

A Month of Making and Meaning

This upcycling workshop is part of our broader March celebration of women, creativity, and community. We're also hosting:

• Gospel Singing sessions honouring female music legends

• Nigerian cookery with Toyin's Kitchen

• Embroidery workshops exploring textile arts

• The Wise Woman's Cabinet, a tasting and networking event

Each event connects food, craft, history, and wellbeing: because at Health Defence Organics, we believe true health comes from nourishing not just your body, but your mind, your creativity, and your community connections.

From Throwaway to Treasure

Upcycling is more than a trend. It's a mindset shift. It's about seeing potential where others see rubbish. It's about valuing what lasts over what's merely convenient.

And in Hammersmith, we're lucky to have a rich history to draw on. William Morris walked these streets. He created beauty, fought for justice, and believed in a world where everyone could access good design and meaningful work.

This workshop is a chance to step into that tradition: to learn, to create, and to connect with a philosophy that's as relevant now as it was 150 years ago.

Ready to join us? Pop into the shop at 132a King Street or give us a ring to let us know you're interested. We can't wait to see what you'll create.

Let's honour the past by building a more sustainable, creative, and just future( one upcycled treasure at a time.)