Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!

Veritable Aladdin's Cave on Hornsey High Street - Great for Xmas Shopping!

Local artspace curator Jonny Harnett in his Hornsey High Street premises

Yesterday, I met local artspace curator Jonny Harnett in Aladdin's Cave premises on Hornsey High Street.

Jonny's a bit of a character. A carpenter, upholsterer and antique restorer by trade, he's also an enthusiastic singer who's toying with the idea of auditioning fro Britian's Got Talent. Jonny's also a bit of an artists and film-maker and has combined his passions in his newish venture, the Brand New Start Gallery.

Before running the gallery Jonny had set up shop in one of the disused warehouses on Cross Lane by the Great Northern Tavern. He converted it for use as a live performance space "where people could play music together and enjoy the company of positive people in an environment of free expression". Socially purposed to some extent, it sounds like it was a bit of a party spot! Sadly it flew so effectively below the radar, I didn't pick it up whilst it was still going.

Now Jonny wants to do something similar in his new premises. He describes his high street premises as comprising "an art gallery and workshop and performance space for the local community to showcase and celebrate their work and collaborate on their projects".

Today Jonny's running a 'Cartooning for Kids' workshop - a great excuse to pop in and take a mosey around.

It's an appealing space with an eclectic mix of antiques, art by local artists, and objets d'art. I'll let my iPhone snaps do the talking.