Warren and Matt
A new community art gallery in the basement space of CP Architects will soon be hosting its first exhibition by local artists
In recent years Matt Hedges and Warren Hagues, co-Directors of CP Architects, have re-configured their Askew Road premises, resulting in a smart exterior, ground-floor office-cum-studio and large basement. Currently unused, from May the latter will become home to the Askew Gallery.
For Matt and Warren, who are specialists in re-modelling and extending West London housing stock. the sideways step into the art world was not part of a long-term strategy. ‘Far from it,’ says Matt. ‘Our intention had always been to use the basement as a community resource which just covered its costs, but we hadn’t really got much further than that.
‘Then, last year, I went to an exhibition at the Townhouse Gallery in Spitalfields and was struck by how a space devoted to art had been created at the back of a shop. That was the light bulb moment.’
The next step was to talk to artist-designers Jonathan Mercer and Kate Fishenden of the Starch Green studio. ‘Both were enthusiastic about how the basement could be used by local artists and, subsequently, they have been instrumental in arranging our first exhibition,’ explains Warren. Called For The Love of Flowers, it will feature textiles, screenprints and flowers by Kate, Isabel Dodd and Philippa Smith.
‘We are delighted that the space is going to be used in such a creative way,’ adds Matt. ‘Plans are being made for further shows and we’re looking forward to taking part in the Askew Arts Festival in September.’
For The Love of Flowers runs from 2-7 May. To attend the Private View on 2 May (5-9pm) follow the link on the website (www.askewgallery.com). The gallery is open 3-7 May (12-5pm) with a Meet the Artists session on Saturday 4 May (12-2pm)
CP Architects Ltd
Askew Studio
159 Askew Road
Shepherd’s Bush W12 9AU
020 8743 9535
info@cparchitects.com
http://www.cparchitects.com