Unique Art galleries in London: 8 Holland Street
Not long ago I shared suggestions on unique art galleries in London. Although the title should probably include unique and free Art exhibitions in London; the price of viewing and enjoying Art in London has rocketed (hence my pleasant alarm at Family Sundays at The Royal Opera House being so affordable).
Cost aside, it raises the question whether what you’re experiencing actually equates to the value. But that's a different matter altogether which I won't deep dive into this post.
However, I do think the price tag is worth mentioning because amidst my quest of discovering unique Art experiences in London, unsurprisingly the uniqueness lends itself to more cost effective ways to enjoy Art. And a large part of it is not even in traditional galleries.
I was really excited to visit 8 Holland Street because I knew like with Eye of the Collector, viewing Art in an 18th-century Georgian Townhouse would transform the experience. They have three locations: one in Bath and two in London and they’re known as gallery-hotels; a place where you can enjoy Art and accommodation.
It’s tucked away in a quiet corner of St James, a part of London known for its British discernment peppered with beautiful, novel shops (Truefitt & Hill and Paxton & Whitfield cheese mongers are a couple of my favourites). I absolutely love the vibe this part of town has. You might think it to be stuffy or corporate but its actually very traditional and Historic. London's true colours are in pockets of places like this.
8 Holland Street would be one out of many buildings you would walk past not realising you can pop into it making it all that special. Adding to this rarity is that the gallery in Bath has received more press attention than the one in London (that might be because the founder, Tobias Vernon, is a Bath native. As well as due there being so much competition in noisy London it drowns out the hidden gems.)
Upon entering it was questionable if I was supposed to be there as there is no reception and nobody at sight. But you quickly spot a large vibrant painting which has an introduction of the gallery printed on the wall.
Starting off a tad cautious, once you take the flight of stairs the space expands into high ceilings and large rooms with tall windows allowing natural light gushing through.
It was exciting and immersive. Walking from room to room truly did feel like walking through someone’s house, not too different when walking through The Arts Club who also hold exhibitions in living spaces. The curation of Art spans all forms from paintings, interiors to furniture creating a playful and vibrant set up.
I loved the raw, Earthy feel to it; Despite hosting a mixture of colourful, eclectic Art styles it had an overall rural vibe. What instantly made an impression was actually the floor plan. I loved how the vast spacious rooms were situated right next to one another, giving it a maze like feel walking through one doorway to the other with anticipation and not knowing what you'll see next.
It’s definitely a hidden gem and one for the little black book.
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