Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
Like Art? Enjoy Discovery? If You Do One Thing this weekend Do This!
Last night I went along to the opening night of the Euroart Open Studios event. Nestled in the heart of Tottenham's old industrial quarter on Markfield Road, the studios are housed in a former factory building. Behind them and to one side of them is another of Haringey's artistic live-work colonies (more on that another time); to the other side and in front of them is much of what remains Tottenham's industrial quarter.
Euroart Studios, in Tottenham's old Industrial quarter
Euroart Studios: a bustling art hub in Tottenham
The studios used to have a home near the the White Hart Lane Stadium, but through a sorry tale of misfortune and dishonesty four years ago found themselves forced to move.
Genial Afro-Chinese Jamaican studios boss Nigel Young found a new home in Gaunson House and created a space for 43 studios in place of the 34 there had been previously. Today there are 70 studios. Demand outstrips supply and so Nigel and cofounder Lorraine Clarke are in the fortunate position of being able to focus on an area of the arts that interests them and to select in only those that Art Director Lorraine feels are good enough. As a result, in amongst the veritable warren of Gaunson House, you'll find only visual artists who, in the main, have graduated in their chosen field.
The striking work as you enter the studios building - "Stolen" by John Fowler, Lorraine Clarke & Nigel Young - collaboration with Bruce Castle Museum commemorating the abolition of slavery.
Chatting with Nigel, it sounds like, although he's clearly succeeding, life as a studios owner in Tottenham is not plain sailing. Nonetheless, the studios keep going without any help from the Council or indeed from elsewhere. I'm glad he's making such a go of things. I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the warren of studios, seeing some great art, buying some at the silent auction (more below) and chatting with the artists.
For me, an initiative of this sort ought to be one that's put at the heart of any regeneration work taking place in Tottenham and I do hope the Council find a way of supporting what's going on here. The twenty year lease Nigel currently has is almost 25% expired. It may be that he can no longer afford the rent in 2029. What then?
Thankfully you still have 16 years to enjoy this fantastic facility. The open studios event is on today and tomorrow. Details here. Get on down.
Save for a few words about the Silent auction, I'll let the pictures do the talking from here, though I'm sure I haven't begun to do justuce to the range and quality of work on display.
The work of Infinity Bunce in Unit 4, Studio 37
Matty Small with his work in the quintessentially chaotic artist's studio (Unit 4, Studio 38)
Just loved this sink scene in one of the corridors!
The work of architect trained Zoe Fudge (Unit 4, Studio 66)
Prints by street artist Pixie - her other work is just too big to show, but she has photos! (Unit 4, Studio 59)
Visitors to the opening night last night, finding their way around the warren
Shivani Patel (Another new arrival who didn't make the exhibition brochure)
Work of Rhed Fawell, Unit 4, Studio 53
Work by Emma Wood, Unit 5, Studio 15
Work of Euroart Co-founder Lorraine Clarke, Unit 5, Studio 13
Lorraine Clarke with her huge egg that was part of the Lindt Big Egg Hunt in Covent Garden
Every corner you turn leads to another corridor - no wall space is wasted!
Wen Wu is painting one bigger than life size portrait each year for ten years. When she's done, she may - or may not - decide to sell. My favourite was one inspired by Brideshead (not shown) Unit 5, Studio 10
Work of Russell Chater, Unit 5, Studio 8
Work of Stephanie Herbert, Unit 6 Studio 31
Work of Jo Aylmer, ceramic artist, Unit 6, Studio 29
Visitors to last night's opening day by the Studios shop where you can buy small momentos
of your visit. The "Creature" on the wall is by Nigel Booth, Unit 6, Studio 29
Last but not least the 'Silent Auction' (See below)
My apologies to all the artists I didn't include. There are just so many. My choices were governed by a range of factors - none of which was your skill!
Now, that silent auction. I loved it. Every artist has the option to add works to the silent auction wall. Every two hours there's a new auction. Each new work hung is accompanied by a paper slip hanging alongside with a starting bid price. Add your name and contact number, make your bid and the highest bid at the end of every two hour period gets to go home with a VERY reasonably priced work or two. I bought two pieces for just £25 each.
I had a great evening and strongly recommend that you visit.
(Thanks for your warm welcome, Nigel. Sorry I couldn't make the lock-in. Next time!!)
Tags for Forum Posts: tottenham warehouse district
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Protheroe O'Shea on
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Fantastic!!!! Thanks for the heads up.
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Permalink Reply by matt on
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Excellent! (streetview)
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Permalink Reply by Trevor Banthorpe on
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Cheers Hugh, so glad that you had a good time!
Your pieces are all wrapped & waiting to be taken to their new home.
Hopefully see you tomorrow.Trevor
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Permalink Reply by Hugh on
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And here's one of the artists I missed in the original post. Last time round his studio was too full to get a picture. Here's a snap with my trusty iPhone:
Work by Harringay-based printmaker Trevor Banthorpe (exhibited at RA last year and again this), Unit 6, Studio 33
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Permalink Reply by 3fgqjn6nndboh on
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some greatness here i see! wonderful to know theres so many others in the creative field and having a mindset of community sharing. select artists , showing their skill , its all fab!
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Permalink Reply by Alan Stanton on
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Lively and informative photos, Hugh. And great that you covered this event!
But please note that there was no such thing as "Tottenham's old industrial quarter". There were - and to a surprising extent still are - industrial and commercial businesses dotted all around Tottenham.
And yes, this does include streets like Markfield Road and the old building where Nigel Young and Lorraine Clarke have very successfully re-sited the old N17 studios - from up near Tottenham Hotspur.
As for the Council supporting such initiatives, it would be a start if we kept the roads nearby free of potholes and dumping. And this applies equally elsewhere. Lawrence Road, for instance - was a disgrace for many years. Despite the successful Studio 28.
As you describe, Lorraine and Nigel have been able to establish a thriving successful arts initiative independent of Council patronage and control. I suspect a correlation.
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To add to Hugh's images, some of the same artists Hugh covered;
Great art space, lovely people. Nice to meet Nigel.
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Separately in Markfield Park, the Beam engine was running;
The old sewer map for London, of which the above beam engine was a part of. There are only 4-5 in working condition within London;
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It was a great weekend, thanks Hugh for the support, and thanks to everyone who came along.
If you're still hungry for some Art, I am in an exhibition with 6 other UK printmakers and 7 from Japan at Mile End Art Pavilion. World Printmaking One runs from 11-23 June at the Mile End Art Pavilion E3 4QY, 12 noon - 6pm, Private view 11 June 6-9pm. You're all welcome to come along!
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