The economic downturn has left cities all over the world littered with unused buildings. Seeing this as an opportunity for innovation, London-based Specs Gallery set about converting 9,000 square feet of former office space into an exhibition venue for new artists. Specs were interviewed on This Big City in March when the show was just an idea, and have spent the last six weeks transforming 211 Old Street into a unique exhibition space. Naming the show ‘memo’ in reference to the venue’s usual purpose, Specs’ Directors Alice Vaughan and Harry Owen-Jones hosted the private view on May 5th and introduce the event here:

Rather than attempting to transform the space we decided that we would look to the inherent qualities of the building and the surrounding terrain for inspiration.

Themes have organically arisen around the use of space in an urban environment, the transformative effect that function can have on a place and a playful approach to scale.

The innovative new charity 3Space is responsible for providing us with the property and for this we are really grateful.

With reduced funding for the Arts and commercial galleries struggling, it is now harder than ever for artists to find that all important first break. Our aim is to provide a platform for artists to establish a collector base and to come to the attention of more established galleries, while curating shows which respond to the properties which they temporarily occupy.

Memo is running through to the 14th of May at 211 Old Street. All viewings are by appointment. Register to visit here.