Raven Row, 56 Artillery Lane, London, E1 7LS
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 11am–6pm
Nearest tube: Liverpool St (Central, District, Circle and Hammersmith and City Lines)
Buses that stop near the gallery: 8, 26, 35, 47, 48, 78, 135, 149, 242, 388
Since it opened back in 2009, Raven Row’s program has ranged from the experimental to the unlikely: from little-known father of mail art Ray Johnson to the once knighted Eduardo Paolozzi. It has a habit of unearthing forgotten masters and its group shows are tied together by the most eccentric of themes, so that each visit to number 52 Artillery Lane will leave you re-evaluating your perspective of modern art.
Located a short stroll away from both Liverpool Street and Shoreditch High Street, Raven Row is a metaphorical leap away from its ultra contemporary, post, post-modern neighbours in nearby artistic hot spots Hoxton Square and Brick Lane. It is not only the quality and originality of the exhibitions that make the space stand out; the building itself offers a welcome change from the white square walls of other purpose-built galleries in the area.
Many of the period features of the Regency-fronted terrace remain intact, and the building still retains its original raison d’etre with the top floor serving as living quarters for visiting artists. Exhibitions are curated across three floors, throughout the various rooms in this former eighteenth century home, with artworks sitting alongside original fireplaces and Georgian-style furniture.
With such a unique design and serious program of events it might come as a surprise that the gallery is funded and directed by supermarket heir Alex Sainsbury. Sainsbury dedicated over four years renovating the space alongside upcoming British architects, 6a and the young director now takes an active role in the ongoing promotion and development of the gallery.
