art studio
Michael Connell, 2014
Bellingham Station, Randlesdown Road, SE6 3BT
what3words: sleepy.stage.asserts
'Povera' meaning 'poor art' in Italian, is an ongoing project made by mixed-media artist Michael Connell. In his back garden in Catford, Michael has built an unbelievable shed, fusing art and nature, that's made entirely of waste materials from skips and people's unwanted items. Exploring themes of music, family, heritage and nature, step inside the ever-evolving magic of the Povera shed.
Bellingham, Catford, Catford Bridge
136, 171, 199, 208, 320, 47, 54
Visitors will be emailed the exact address the day before. It's about a 10-min walk from Bellingham train station and Catford Bus Garage.
Unfortunately there's no step-free access to the garden. Inside the shed can be a bit narrow (is single file).
Visitors can expect calming music as they wander around the exhibition. The shed can be a bit dark so torches are provided. Limited seating.
Guided tour
11:00–12:00
How to book
Bookings will open at midday on 19 August. You won't be able to book a ticket before then.
Guided tour
12:30–13:30
How to book
Bookings will open at midday on 19 August. You won't be able to book a ticket before then.
Guided tour
15:00–16:00
How to book
Bookings will open at midday on 19 August. You won't be able to book a ticket before then.
Povera is an ongoing project, consisting of the use of waste products from skips and other people's unwanted items.
This ever-evolving work incorporates the shed (Povera) and makes the garden the canvas to display Povera in it’s entirety. While some may appreciate the outside, others will look at Povera from within. Povera is art within art.
The shed, often called 'The Cathedral of Catford' has been featured on Channel 4’s Shed of the Year, the BBC and ITV news, was a finalist in George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces and won the Build Award in 2023.
The talented artist, Michael Connell says "This is my way of showing appreciation for nature and my surroundings by reusing old materials and repurposing it to make something unique.
"My work involves the use of many materials ranging from broken glass, wood and sash cord, basically anything that I can recycle.
"I have been working in construction for over thirty years where I collect materials left over from various trades. One of my favourite sources for obtaining materials are the skips on site. I can be spotted most days on the underground with salvaged materials for my next project."
Michael Connell is a mixed-media artist who was born in Barbados but has lived in Catford for more than 30 years, exhibiting his art all over Lewisham in that time.
During Covid, Michael was diagnosed with cancer and since then has been using art as his main source of therapy.
Michael says "I look upon art as being a part of me, an extension of myself. I can be found most evenings deep in solace in my shed."
As the shed is in Michael's garden, visitors will be emailed the address the day before the visit. It's a 10-min walk from Bellingham train station.