Studio Voltaire Explained

Studio Voltaire is a non-profit gallery and artist studios based in Clapham, South London.^[1] The organisation focuses on contemporary arts, staging a celebrated public programme of exhibitions, performances, and live events.^[2] Studio Voltaire invests in the production of new work and often gives artists their first opportunity for a solo exhibition in London. The gallery space is housed in a Victorian former Methodist Chapel and artist commissions frequently take the form of site-specific installation, focusing on the unique architecture of the space. Studio Voltaire also provides affordable workspace to over 40 artists and hosts artist residencies with a variety of national and international partners. Since 2011 the Not Our Class programme has provided a series of participation and research projects for local audiences. In 2011 Studio Voltaire was awarded with regular funding from Arts Council England as a National Portfolio Organisation.^[3] Joe Scotland is the Director of Studio Voltaire.

National exhibitions and events

1994

• Studio Voltaire established in Voltaire Road, Clapham, by a small artist collective.

1999

• Studio Voltaire moved to its current location in a former Methodist Chapel at Nelson’s Row, Clapham

2005

• Studio Voltaire produced its first Print Portfolio including editions by acclaimed artists Jeremy Deller, Mark Titchner and Spartacus Chetwynd. The organisation has subsequently developed a strong reputation for producing affordably priced artist editions, including works by Cory Arcangel, Ryan McGinley and Wolfgang Tillmans.
• Studio Voltaire commissioned Spartacus Chetwynd’s The Walk to Dover, the artist’s first offsite project, involving a week-long expedition from London to Dover

2006

• Studio Voltaire began an artist residency programme in collaboration with the Berlin Cultural Senate and Whitechapel Gallery, London to host a Berlin-based artist with workspace for a 10-month period.
• Elizabeth Price presented her first video work A Public Lecture & Exhumation

2007

• Georgian-born artist Thea Djordjadze presented Possibility Nansen, her first exhibition in the UK following a residency period at Studio Voltaire

2009

• Studio Voltaire commissioned Nairy Baghramian’s exhibition Butcher, Barber, Angler & Others, the artist’s first exhibition in the UK.
• Cathy Wilkes presented a mixed media installation entitled Mummy’s here, the first exhibition since her nomination for the Turner Prize in 2008.^[4]

2010

• Phyllida Barlow’s critically acclaimed installation Bluff led to widespread recognition for the artist, including a subsequent presentation with Nairy Baghramian at the Serpentine Gallery and commercial representation with Hauser & Wirth.
• Studio Voltaire established House of Voltaire, an offsite temporary shop.^[5]

2011

• Studio Voltaire initiated Not Our Class, a programme of education and participatory projects exploring the legacy of photographer Jo Spence. Collaborators included Marysia Lewandowska and The Jo Spence Memorial Archive, Rehana Zaman working with King’s College Hospital and Body & Soul, research group X Marks The Spot and Intoart.
• Mark Francis Writer, Curator and Director, Gagosian Gallery, London appointed as Chair of Trustees.

2012

• In collaboration with Space Studio Voltaire mounted the first major retrospective of photographer Jo Spence on the twentieth anniversary of her death.

2021

In 2021 Studio Voltaire reopened following a £2.8m renovation project designed by the architects Matheson Whiteley. The project took existing studio space for 30 artists and increased its capacity to 75, as well as improving the quality and heating of the studios. Studio Voltaire's design shop, House of Voltaire, was given a permanent home as part of the renovation works. ^[6]

External links

• Studio Voltaire website

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Notes and References

1. News: Art sales: galleries spy a bright future. Gleadel. Colin. 2019-05-04. en-GB. 0307-1235.
2. News: Exhibition preview: Annual Members' Exhibition, London. Lack. Jessica. 2008-08-15. The Guardian. 2019-05-04. en-GB. 0261-3077.
3. News: Arts Council funding decision day: as it happened. Brown. Mark. 2011-03-30. 2022-09-18. The Guardian.
4. News: Exhibition preview: Cathy Wilkes, London. Lack. Jessica. 2009-04-10. The Guardian. 2019-05-04. en-GB. 0261-3077.
5. News: Multiple visions: how to buy a limited-edition artwork. Buck. Louisa. 2016-11-30. The Telegraph. 2019-05-04. en-GB. 0307-1235.
6. Web site: A £2.8m transformation of London's Studio Voltaire addresses shortage of affordable studio space. 2021-10-12. 2022-09-18. The Art Newspaper.