We are pleased to announce that the 20-21 Visual Arts Centre is now fully open! Visitors can now experience the amazing work inside the former church section of our building, meticulously restored by UK Restoration Services. This gallery currently houses the stunning exhibition A Dog’s Life, featuring an array of international artists such as Sophie Ryder, David Shrigley, Mychael Barratt, Martha Todd, Holy Smoke, Shauna Richardson, and Gerrard Gethins.
November 2023 marked the beginning of a major restoration programme on the Grade II *-listed former church of St John the Evangelist, now part of the 20-21 Visual Arts Centre. Specialist craftsmen from UK Restoration Services has been hard at work re-roofing the nave, aisles, vestry, porch, and transept. The results are already visible in the restored limestone carvings, 4-metre pinnacles, grotesques, and gargoyles.
Additionally, a new Building Management System (BMS) has been installed. Timber repairs and masonry work have been carried out, and the glazing will also be restored, with the added capability to open the high-level windows automatically. The entire restoration works are expected to be completed by late October 2024, with the barriers set to come down in the new year following the completion of the landscaping of Queen Elizabeth Gardens in Church Square.
Watch this space for more exciting news soon.
