The Gilbert & George Centre
There’s a new oasis of calm located just around the corner from the street market sounds and thick stench of curry on Brick Lane. You can’t miss it. Just look for the ornate green gates that open onto a cobbled path lined with manicured flower beds. It will lead you to the entry of a former industrial building that’s been beautifully renovated to preserve and perpetuate the art of Gilbert & George.
If you don’t know who that is then here’s a quick primer because info about the artist (yes, they collectively go by the singular) was surprisingly absent from their eponymous centre:
Gilbert Prousch, Italian, b. 1943
George Passmore, English, b. 1942
Met in 1967 at Saint Martin's School of Art
Partners in art and life, married 2008
Considered 'living sculptures', almost always appearing in their trademark suits
Anti-elitist, adopting the slogan 'Art for All'
Turner Prize winner (1986)
UK’s Venice Biennale representative (2005)
Gilbert & George are a uniquely British institution, and every bit as quirky as that title implies. They’ve always made art on their own terms, often featuring themselves and inspired by East London, where they’ve lived since 1968. Their new centre is a short walk from their home, so don’t be surprised to see them wandering around while you admire their art. Aside from their exhibitions, what else can you expect to see?
SIRS Architects were appointed to convert an early 19th century brewery into the centre. The restoration preserved many original features while compassionately extending both up and underground to create a space significantly larger than the exterior implies. Honestly, it’s a Tardis, but that reveal is delayed until after you’ve entered through the gift shop — a low ceilinged space, dimly lit with exposed wooden beams. It’s warm and welcoming and one roaring fireplace shy of feeling like your Grandad’s snug.
Venture further inside and you’ll have three generous display spaces to explore: a main double height space, plus a basement gallery and the top floor’s be-sure-not-to-miss Beam Gallery. Either the beautiful set of stairs or the lift will get you there. There’s also a small screening room, but that’s separately accessed from the front garden. I walked right past it when I first entered, but it’s almost impossible to miss on your way out. All of the spaces maintain the same warm neighbourly feeling you get at the entry, courtesy of wooden floors and benches. So many benches! Is that a tell-tale sign the Centre was designed by a couple of 80 year olds? I don’t know and I don’t care, because it’s most welcome.
I wish more galleries had benches, but most galleries don’t want people who can’t afford their art spending any more time than is necessary. Not Gilbert & George. They’ve often spoken about their love and affection for the area in which they live, including both the good and the bad. It’s evident that their neighbourly ethos has become infectious with their staff, because the homeless man who wandered into the courtyard on opening day wasn’t just left to sit, but was brought a coffee.
The debut show — The PARADISICAL PICTURES — is a series of 35 large scale photo-collage works made up of smaller segments closely framed together. Their large size and prevalence of reflective glass forces you back to the other side of the room should you wish to see them properly. Which on a crowded day means you’ll be standing in front of another work of art. It’s a bit awkward, but the benches at the midway point are the perfect distance to sit and enjoy them. If the benches are free, and you don’t mind people passing in front of you. That’s really my only complaint about the space, and it will become less of an issue in exhibitions with smaller sized works.
According to the website, “it is anticipated that there will be one or two exhibitions per year” which means you probably don’t need to rush right out to see the current show. You also won’t need to rush right back, because the scale of the space means you can easily see everything in one visit. Unless you’re a fan of Gilbert & George and want to spend extra time examining the detail in their work, or the architecture of the Centre. Or maybe you’re just hoping they’ll wander by and stop for a selfie? Go ahead and ask, I’m sure they’ll oblige.
Plan your visit
’The Gilbert & George Centre’ is located at 5a Heneage Street, London, E1 5LJ — less than a 5 minute walk from Aldgate East Tube Station, and a short distance from the Truman Brewery on Brick Lane
Check the website at gilbertandgeorgecentre.org to confirm opening days/times.
Entry is FREE. Art for All.
Follow @gilbertandgeorgecentre on Instagram for more information.
Visit the Gilbert & George Wikipedia page to learn more about the artist.
🖼️ Want more art? Visit the What’s On page to see a list of recommended shows, sorted by closing date. Don’t miss ‘em!