Nils Norman & Walter Crane
dal 10/9/2001 al 23/9/2001
Segnalato da
10/9/2001
Nils Norman & Walter Crane
South London Gallery SLG, London
As part of London Open House 2001 South London Gallery will present the work of 19th century artist and designer Walter Crane and contemporary artist Nils Norman. At the heart of these very different artists' work is a commitment to socialist ideals and an interest in the role of art in urban regeneration.
As part of London Open House 2001 South London Gallery will present the work of
19th century artist and designer Walter Crane and contemporary artist Nils
Norman. At the heart of these very different artists' work is a commitment to
socialist ideals and an interest in the role of art in urban regeneration.
London Open House 2001
South London Gallery, 65 Peckham Road, London SE5 8UH. Transport: Oval or
Victoria tube then 36 bus or Elephant & Castle then 12 or 171 bus.
Open Tuesday to Friday 11-6, Thursday 11-7, Saturday and Sunday 2-6. Closed
Monday. Admission to the exhibition and talks is free.
Walter Crane Floor at South London Gallery 11 - 23 September
Hidden beneath the wooden floor at South London Gallery is a huge marquetry
panel designed by 19th century artist, designer and socialist activist, Walter
Crane (1845-1915). The stunning original floor will be revealed for the first
time in 10 years and shown alongside examples of Crane's designs including his
1891 poster, The Triumph of Labour.
Founded by philanthropist William Rossiter, and supported by prominent artists
including John Ruskin and Lord Leighton, the South London Gallery opened on its
present site in 1891. The aim was to bring art to local working people and
Crane's interests in the Gallery were fostered by his socialist beliefs.
Walter Crane was commissioned to produce a unique inlaid wood panel as a
centrepiece for the floor. Thought to be the only design of its kind by Crane,
it contains motifs familiar from his illustrated work, including square,
circular, diamond and fish-scale patterns. At the centre of the floor is the
inscription 'The source of art is in the life of a people'. The floor was funded
and constructed by Charles Steinitz & Co.
A contemporary of William Morris, Crane is widely acknowledged as having had a
significant influence on the international Arts & Crafts and Art Nouveau
movements. He was a prolific writer, particularly about art and socialism, and
an admirer of John Ruskin's ideas. A large textile frieze, illustrated books,
original watercolour designs and theatrical costumes are indicative of Crane's
diverse output. The display features a number of previously unexhibited works,
including loans from Camberwell College of Art, The Artworkers' Guild and The
Victoria & Albert Museum.
This exhibition has been supported by
The Camberwell Society, The Decorative Arts Society, The Fine Art Society and
London Borough of Southwark
Nils Norman Geocruiser
Peckham Square, 22 - 23 September
Geocruiser, 2001, is an open access mobile library and education centre housed
in a converted coach, designed by Nils Norman (b.1966). Geocruiser contains
books on utopian architecture, radical and environmental gardening techniques,
and alternative social systems. A reading area offers use of a free photocopier
powered by solar energy via panels on the roof of the coach. At the back of the
bus indigenous plants, vegetables and herbs grow in a large green house with
composting unit and 'wormery' in which worms are used to recycle organic matter.
Norman is currently investigating the possibility of converting the engine to
run on used frying fat.
Nils Norman's work is informed by ideas about alternative economic and
ecological systems in cities, which he merges with a humorous critique of the
history and role of public art. 'Less an artist than an idiosyncratic activist!'
[The New Yorker, 2000], Norman critically highlights the role of design and
public sculpture in urban gentrification.
Stationed outside the award winning Peckham Library, this will be the first
opportunity to visit Geocruiser in London. 22-23 September 2001 12-6pm.
Admission free.
Geocruiser was commissioned by the Institute of Visual Culture, Cambridge with
support from eastengland arts, The Arts Council of England - National Touring
Programme, and Solar Century.
Talks and Events
Walter Crane
On Friday 14 and Friday 21 September, Chris Jordan, Curator of the Permanent
Collection, will give a lunchtime talk at the Gallery at 1pm. Admission Free
Geocruiser
Nils Norman will be with the Geocruiser on 22 and 23 September with guests
invited from local activist and community groups.
Open Tuesday to Friday 11-6, Thursday 11-7, Saturday and Sunday 2-6. Closed
Monday. Admission to the exhibition and talks is free.
For press information please contact Juliet Bingham on 020 7703 6120
South London Gallery
65 Peckham Road, SE5 8UH LONDON
T. 020 77036120