Discovered in 2015, Gilbert & George sought a space to store their art, however upon seeing this building they realised it was better intended to be a space where people could see their art. The building for the Centre had previously been the home and studio of artist Polly Hope and dates back to the early 19th century, as a former brewery. These images show the building prior to renovation, with elements of its former use still visible, including some of Polly Hope’s unused canvases.
Spitalfields has been Gilbert & George’s home and subject of their art since the mid 1960s.The Gilbert & George Centre can today be found on the slender 18th century Heneage Street, just a stone’s throw from Gilbert & George’s current home and studio on Fournier Street, which is situated in the Brick Lane and Fournier Street Conservation Area.
The Centre was thoughtfully converted by SIRS Architects with the design philosophy reflecting the artists’ profound appreciation for London’s architectural heritage. The building’s restoration preserved many of its original features, some of which can be seen in our homely panelled reception area that showcases hand-crafted furniture and cast-iron components. Materials were reused where possible, including windows, roof slates, cobbles, brickwork, floorboards, and timber beams.
Construction of the Centre began in June 2020, with one major aspect lowering the courtyard to improve access and usability.
To create sufficient space for the Centre’s transformation on a restricted site, a basement level was built under the pre-existing footprint of the building and a new above-ground side extension was added. The underground level was constructed using a complex top-down methodology that involved striking the perimeter of 37 neighbouring parties, making it one of the UK’s largest party-wall awards at the time.
The building is designed to use energy, water, and materials efficiently, with consideration given to long-term environmental and economic impact. Passive design strategies include limiting UV light and solar gain, incorporating high thermal mass to maintain stable internal conditions, and using a high-performance, airtight envelope to reduce the need for heating and cooling. With tightly controlled environments and discreet servicing, technical systems are fully integrated and kept out of view within the Centre’s galleries, ensuring no interruption to the presentation of the artworks.
Where new materials were required they were locally sourced and recycled including gypsum boards for the gallery walls and reclaimed brickwork. Collaboration with local companies and craftsmen in addition to in-house art storage facilities aimed to reduce the impact of shipping.
Construction was completed in December 2022. The Centre now houses three distant exhibition spaces, a film room, reception, and art storage.
The Centre opened it’s doors to the public on 1 April 2023 with the inaugural exhibition of ‘THE PARADISICAL PICTURES’, welcoming nearly 40,000 visitor frorm across the globe.
Read more about the project here.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of the Centre’s journey so far, here’s to the year ahead! ❤️
Stay tuned for the announcement of our fourth exhibition opening in the Spring!
With love, Always and All ways, The G&G Centre Team x