We’ve already gathered a few of London’s small, unusual and little-known galleries, but there are quite a few to explore, so you’re getting a part two. You lucky, culture-hungry cheapos. Read on for a trip through a Marchel Duchamp-inspired space, a tower of art and a gallery packed with curiosities among others.
Large Glass
This King’s Cross gallery claims to be ‘guided by the spirit of Marcel Duchamp’—and takes its name from a Duchamp piece. Small in space, but big on ideas, Large Glass is situated in a shop unit. It puts on curated individual exhibitions on diverse themes, is designed to act as a place to discuss contemporary art, as well as to appreciate it. As well as artefacts and exhibitions, the gallery hosts a regular programme of events from artists talks, to wine and poetry evenings and music performances.
Where: King’s Cross / Caledonian Road
Cost: Free
Web: Official website
Domobaal
Another contemporary art gallery named after its owner. The venue is the Georgian, Bloomsbury home of art dealer Domo Baal, which has also been a gallery since 2000. Exhibitions include work from students at The Royal College of Art, sculptor Nicky Hirst, and visual artist Rachel Adams. From December to February, admission is by appointment only, but during exhibitions it’s open Thursdays-Saturdays from 12pm-6pm.
Where: Bloomsbury
Cost: Free
Web: Official website
Cabinet Gallery
Not actually a gallery within a piece of furniture, but a tower block structure, designed by Trevor Horne architects. The gallery’s owners had been looking for a permanent exhibition space, and now the impressive structure sits within Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. Worth a look for the architecture itself, but once inside, visitors can see works by the likes of Cosey Fanni Tutti, Henrik Olesen and Lucie Stahl. Entrance is from Thursdays to Saturdays 12pm-6pm, but beware of a slightly frustrating website when planning your trip.
Where: Vauxhall
Cost: Free
Web: Official site
The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art & Natural History
This east London gallery rewards the curious and esoteric visitor. It is also the home of The Last Tuesday Society, who “[…] is dedicated to subverting life, the universe and everything bored of the life and world it sees around it seeks to create a new world filled with beauty, wonder and the imagination.” As such, Viktor Wynd Fine Art invites you into to a world of curiosities, taxidermy and skulls. It’s open from Wednesdays to Sundays, but there are special events on each Tuesday. Pop in for exhibitions on subjects like haunted objects and the occult. It’s a cocktail bar too if you feel like hanging around.
Where: Bethnal Green
Cost: £5 (with a free cup of tea!) or £2.50 in Thursdays 5pm-10pm
Web: Official site
