gallery
54-58 Tanner Street, SE1 3PH
A great example of the rich evolution of London’s buildings; from noxious leather treatment warehouse complete with sloping floors, winch poles and loading platforms to a stylish hidden Art Collector’s Studio in the space of 150 years.
London Bridge
London Bridge
343, 47, 381
Closest stops to the studio are Boss Street (T) and City Hall (R). Entrance on Pope Street.
The studio is on the ground floor and mainly on one level with one small step up to the rear space.
Since the medieval period, the City of London had banned tanning of leather within the city walls due to the noxious smells produced. Bermondsey therefore, situated South of the river outside the city walls, was a hub of leather production. It was referred to by some as the ‘land of leather’. Dickens said on one of his visits to Bermondsey that the ‘air reeks with evil smells’.
The air now smells of fresh coffee and perhaps a hint of ink!
Tanner Street’s history goes even further back - one of the oldest streets in Bermondsey, it was originally called Five Foot Lane in 1544.
A great example of the rich evolution of London’s buildings; from noxious leather treatment warehouse complete with sloping floor for washing away by-products, to stylish Collectors' Studio in the space of 150 years. Works of art have replaced hides but the slope remains! As do 19th century high level barn doors, winch pole and loading platforms and other clues to the area's fascinating industrial history.
Many of our artworks feature London and its changing architecture and society. From Hogarth’s street scenes to Moore’s figures sheltering in the tube during the Blitz, there is huge scope to explore this fascinating city through the medium of art... the construction of the Olympic site and examinations of landmarks such as St Paul’s and The Shard to name but a few.
An Open City Exhibition.
