We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has visited and supported the Centre during 2024. In our mission of an Art For All, your support is invaluable, and as we reflect on 2024, we would like to share some of our memorable highlights… ✨
In April, we proudly launched our second exhibition, showcasing 28 of Gilbert & George’s ‘LONDON PICTURES’.
The largest group of pictures created by Gilbert & George, the ‘LONDON PICTURES’ offers both a directory of urban human behaviour and a moral portrait of our times. Brutal and declamatory, these brooding and disquieting pictures have been created from the sorting and classification by subject of 3,712 newspaper posters, stolen by Gilbert & George over a number of years. In their lucidity, no less than their insight into the daily realities of metropolitan life, the ‘LONDON PICTURES’, are Dickensian in scope and ultra-modern in sensibility.
In April, Gilbert & George presented their latest suite of original Inkwashes titled ‘G AND G’. Each Inkwash is individually created and hand-painted by Gilbert & George, meaning each will have some variation, and each is numbered and signed by Gilbert & George. Available to purchase exclusively from the Centre here, with all proceeds going towards keeping the Centre admission free.
In May, the Centre hosted the book launch for ‘Dark Shadow (2024)’. Gilbert & George created Dark Shadow in 1974 as a ‘living sculpture book’, the ‘result of our past three years of earnest daily thoughts, shadows, deeds, cares and pleasures.’ Hurtwood’s limited new edition of 2,000 marked its fiftieth anniversary. All books are numbered and signed by Gilbert & George with its own unique, hand-marbled, cloth cover. No one else will have the same book… Available to purchase here.
‘THE PILGRIMAGE OF GILBERT & GEORGE‘ directed by Mike Christie, premiered on SKY Arts. Since its initial airing, the film has been screened at several art film festivals and has received multiple award nominations.
Filmed over the Spring and Summer 2023, this immersive, 87-minute film weaves together a body of new interviews with a rich tapestry of historic and rare archive, to form a compelling personal reflection on their journey and enduring art philosophy. The film also features contributions from White Cube’s Jay Jopling, friend and filmmaker Julian Cole, and their dear friend Sandra Esquilant.
Throughout the year, we had the pleasure of welcoming visitors for Architect-led Tours as part of this year’s London Festival of Architecture in June, and the Open House Festival in September. These tours were led by the Centre’s architect Manuel Irsara, Co-Founder of SIRS Architects.
In June, the Centre was thrilled to welcome artists from The Tracey Emin Artist Residency (TEAR), along with a special visit from artist Dame Tracey Emin, where they participated in a tour of Gilbert & George’s studio, followed by a visit to the Centre.
In July, The Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) hosted a special screening of ‘WITH Gilbert & George’ by Julian Cole. This event was followed by an in-person conversation featuring Gilbert & George, filmmaker Julian Cole, and Gregor Muir. The film is currently on view in the Centre’s Film Room.
In 2024 we introduced our – free to the public – Friday Highlight Tours. In November, we had the pleasure of welcoming many students from across the UK, including Fine Art students from Glasgow School of Art, as pictured. As we move into 2025, the Centre plans on hosting additional tours – more to follow soon! If you would like to book a guided tour – led by a member of the Centre’s friendly team, please email [email protected].
We look forward to even more memorable moments in 2025, follow us on Instagram or sign up to our mailing list to keep up to date with new exhibitions and events at the Centre coming soon in 2025!
With love, Always and All ways
The Gilbert & George Centre Team