As I sit in the window of House, for all of Camberwell High Street to exhibit, sipping on a delicious much needed wake up cup of coffee, I am awaiting for the gallery below to open. House opened in 2007 and is situated in the little hidden gem of Camberwell. With the Arts College just around the corner, Camberwell is packed with creative and eccentric students most of whom are a credit to the art industry. This café come gallery expresses a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, describing itself as a place to provide artists with a public platform from which to exhibit their work. There is a strong sense of communication from this contemporary set up, as it opens up the chance for the artists to expose their work to the general art audience, and also the community.

The main thing that struck me about House (second to the scrumptious chocolate cookies!), was the encouraging attitude they embrace with regards to supporting emerging artists, whilst also welcoming established artists. Better still, all the profits that are made go towards local community projects that are linked with The Wells Trust. The Wells Trust community support and initiate many charities and projects around the Camberwell and Peckham area, House being there most recent project.

Upstairs in the coffee shop, House offer a wide range of tea with flavours from your typical English tea to liquorice and peppermint flavour to popcorn! There are old-style board games on hand if you fancy a game of scrabble or dominos, and a chance to find out about up and coming events and exhibitions from in and around the area with many fliers on display. The food served is all homemade, fresh and healthy and the prices are reasonable, reminiscent of the large student community based in the area. The presence is laid back, and the atmosphere is comfortable.

As I spiralled down the staircase to view the gallery, there was a list of the works guiding you around the small space. Despite being a small space the gallery is currently being occupied by 4 artists, by having the opportunity to give a taster of their work to the art critiques and other members of the population, this is a good foot in the door. The space downstairs for the gallery is very simplistic, nothing fancy, the same with the café. This reflects the fact that all of the profits are given to charity and no money is wasted on unnecessary decorating or purchases. The shop window offers an exhibition space also, which if your art is exhibited here; this offers good exposure, being on a main busy road and all.

Previous exhibitions at House have included the work of recent prints, installations and video works, done by four MA Visual Arts/Printmaking students in February 2009, the work of students studying MA Digital Art in December 2008, five recent graduates of MA Painting and Drawing Courses in October 2008. You can find details of other previous exhibitions at www.house-gallery.co.uk. House also offers a reduced rate of gallery hire for students, making this a more accessible opportunity for them.
Here are some examples of work shown in the gallery since it has been open:

August 2008 – Ghosts by Michael Hayes

October 2008 – Beyond the Horizon by Charles Michael Reid, Alastair Gordon, Jonathon Stubbs

September 2008 – Belonging by Carolyn Lefley

Two coffees later and ready to leave, is when I notice that the quirky attributes of the venue even extend to the toilet, with a number of ‘Where’s Wally?’ posters stuck to the wall for entertainment. Or if you are me, disappointment, as I lost to each poster!

You can find more information on exhibiting your work in House or for up and coming events here. or you can also email at house-gallery@hotmail.com

Written by Natalie Mckane on Wednesday April 8th, 2009 1:35 pm

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