The Horse Hospital in Bloomsbury reopens after financial struggles, secured by a lease extension and support from arts organisations. Renovations and new programming are planned alongside the continuation of its iconic Contemporary Wardrobe Collection. A collective will manage the venue, ensuring it remains a hub of independent culture.
The Horse Hospital, an eccentric art and exhibition centre in Bloomsbury, has reopened after facing significant financial challenges. This venue, cherished for its independent cultural contributions, secured a temporary lease extension, allowing it to remain in its historic building while long-term plans are discussed. With financial support from private arts organisations and the Culture and Community Spaces at Risk Programme, improvements and expanded programming are now in the pipeline.
The venue, first established in 1993 by fashion stylist Roger K. Burton, began with the launch of a retrospective on Vivienne Westwood’s punk designs. Originally created as a stable in 1797, it later became a hospital for sick horses and is now a Grade II listed space. The Contemporary Wardrobe Collection remains operational, offering vintage clothing for film, photoshoots, and research.
George Lynch, a member of the Horse Hospital Collective, highlighted the venue’s DIY ethos, saying that it represents a sort of magic and defiance against the pressures of a profit-driven city. “I really do think it’s a testament to Roger and his willpower that we’ve managed to withstand the flow of inevitability that the city is only ever temporarily a home to anything that isn’t profit led,” he remarked.
Plans for substantial renovations are underway, including tech upgrades and a new management structure. The venue will now be managed by a collective of three people, including Lynch himself. The Mayor of London’s Culture and Community Spaces at Risk programme, which has been advocating for these cultural spaces since 2016, continues to support The Horse Hospital through this transition.
A representative from the Mayor’s office commented on the venue’s significance: “For many years, The Horse Hospital has been an important venue for art, film, fashion, literature and music in central London. City Hall has supported the operators as they negotiate a new lease, with plans to turn the entire space into an arts and event area.”
With a fresh lease of life, The Horse Hospital is poised to thrive as a unique hub of independent culture. Event-goer Oli Appleyard shared his appreciation for its charm, stating that despite being in central London, it feels like it’s off the beaten path. The renovations have revitalised the place while preserving its character, making it an exciting prospect for future visitors.
In summary, The Horse Hospital has reopened with new opportunities following financial support and a three-month lease extension. As it embarks on a journey of renovation and management changes, this arts venue aims to maintain its unique cultural significance in London. Supported by local authorities and ongoing community efforts, The Horse Hospital represents resilience and defiance against the pressure of commercialisation.
Original Source: www.swlondoner.co.uk