From Factory to Bakehouse
By the time you read this we (Sonia, Karen and I) will have moved – after just three years in our studio in the old Pye electronics factory.
It’s a metaphor for London. The Parkhall Industrial Estate has changed its spots. The old building, once full of framers, artists, veneer & print workshops, and people who could make anything for you, has vanished. It’s now the Parkhall Business Centre. Out go the artisans, in with the suits and the coffee shop. Laminated flooring replaces ye olde concrete.
Oh – and they also refurbished the rents. Ours just doubled overnight (plus 5% annual increases – and we have a ‘service charge’ of £3k – for emptying the bins). It’s too rich for us – and almost all the artists in the building. It’s been gentrified: that’s what happens to London property – and the artists get kicked out . . . Soho, Hackney, West Norwood??
However . . . we have been blessed.
One of our colleagues in Half Moon Studio – thank you Gail – heard that a local artist had recently died and his studio might be available. The long and the short of it is that we’ve gained possession of a very ‘characterful’ old Victorian bakehouse in a) the heart of West Dulwich b) a certain state of dilapidation. Now de-cluttered (two big skips), painted white, roof propped and repaired, velux window in, insulation added and all our stuff installed, we’re ready for business. It’s a lovely work space and we have recruited more people (Virginia, Diana & Kate) who are delighted to be here. There’s even a courtyard for lunch outside on days like we are having – just right for Private Views . . .
On a practical note :
– We’ll have a open studio as soon as we can organise it.
– Only our physical address has changed – emails and phone are as before. See Contact tab above to refresh your memory.
– Come and visit. It’s close to the Dulwich Picture Gallery and Dulwich Park. Make a day of it!
