Blow your mind at London's best alternative galleries
Just look at what you can see at an alternative gallery...
So many of us had our relationships with art galleries scarred from an early age after some tediously dull school trips... I mean, really, who wants to be examining the way that light liberates a scene when you could be tripping up your classmate Kelly Barratt and grabbing a handful of her Wotsits? (That's the delicious cheesy snack... nothing sordid.)
Luckily, in the age of the alternative art gallery, we have an opportunity to right those wrongs. As well as some truly boundary-pushing art you can also experience a dollop of live music, chat, poetry, debate and, remarkably... free booze.
So even if you subscribe to Grayson Perry's musings that "most art is shit"... you can, at least, be viewing it with a free glass of bubbly.
Parasol Unit
14 Wharf Road N1 7RW
Art Galleries & Dealers
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A Foundation for Contemporary Art, the Parasol Unit hosts all sorts of artistic media. Located a short distance from Old Street station the modest gallery space continuously breaks out new projects involving photography, poetry and installation work.
For those that might agree with the decree on Grayson Perry’s last RCA postcard -that ‘Most Art Is Shit’ - a trip down Vyner Street might tempt you into changing your mind. First Thursdays sees the galleries of this narrow east-end street open their doors and serve up FREE booze to go along with some of the most interesting breakthrough work around. Get inspired by the drinks and end up seeing something great.
Large Glass
392 Caledonian Road N1 1DN
Art Galleries & Dealers
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Large Glass is both a shop space and gallery located on Caledonian Road. This space is home to uber-hip new work so you can expect to find the newest of the new up in the window and in the store. With its regular events, which include screenings, talks and other creative ways to get people together, it’s the Caledonian Road’s very own curiosity shop.
Riflemaker
79 Beak Street W1F 9SU
Art Galleries & Dealers
Opening Times
Set up in the architectural fantasy of, you guessed it, an old gun maker, Riflemaker is a gallery space spread over five floors. Exhibiting work by innovative up-and-coming artists and established names alike, Riflemaker has been name dropped by anyone and everyone who wants to appear ‘current’. And you can see why. The gallery presented the first London retrospective of Martin Kippenberger and has also featured work by William Boroughs amongst many others. Exhibitions usually come accompanied by Monday evening events with the focus on live performances, talks, poetry and music.
‘A destination for the incurably curious’, the Wellcome Collection is a leading light in London’s scene. Exploring links between life, art, medicine and performance, you can expect exhibitions and events - focused through science – that offer a diversity missing in some institutions.
Alternating between the group shows of its roster of contemporary artists and individual exhibitions, there’s always something to attract the art-thirsty to the Stolen Space Gallery. Printing, painting, stencils and installations have all featured and there is often the chance to purchase affordable originals. Contemporary art and street art are the main staples.
It may no longer be a town hall officially, but the venue is still in use for wedding ceremonies, live events and location work. However, the basement below is a reminder of Shoreditch Town Hall’s past with its exposed brickwork, industrial lighting and altogether trad chic. Exhibitions frequently pop up in the basement, with the location as much of a draw as the work on display.
Having moved around a bit in the past, Cabinet Gallery has found a resting place on Old Street. Expect contemporary art of any description and the chance to see big artists in a refined setting. Visit the website for details or show up to the space, which has displayed work by the likes of Lucy McKenzie, Tariq Alvi, Danny McDonald and Bonnie Camplin.
