Griselda Murray Brown on the picture-framing business that has just opened a new non-commercial contemporary arts space in Finsbury Park.
Not every business that moves into a new building invites the public in too. But that is precisely what one of London’s most prestigious picture framing firms will do this week. The John Jones Arts Building opens on Thursday, fitted out with light-filled workshops, conservation studios – and a non-selling art gallery with a café.
On a site behind Finsbury Park train station, a busy interchange in a formerly overlooked corner of north London, the new building gives credence to the perhaps unlikely idea – doubtless promoted by interested estate agents – of Finsbury Park as a cultural hub. The Arts Building, which has received support from Islington Council and Arts Council England, certainly seems to be part of a wider transformation. The neighbouring Park Theatre opened last year, backed by Ian McKellen and Alan Rickman. And a development of artists’ studios and accommodation for University of the Arts students is under way... Keep reading on The Financial Times
Not every business that moves into a new building invites the public in too. But that is precisely what one of London’s most prestigious picture framing firms will do this week. The John Jones Arts Building opens on Thursday, fitted out with light-filled workshops, conservation studios – and a non-selling art gallery with a café.
On a site behind Finsbury Park train station, a busy interchange in a formerly overlooked corner of north London, the new building gives credence to the perhaps unlikely idea – doubtless promoted by interested estate agents – of Finsbury Park as a cultural hub. The Arts Building, which has received support from Islington Council and Arts Council England, certainly seems to be part of a wider transformation. The neighbouring Park Theatre opened last year, backed by Ian McKellen and Alan Rickman. And a development of artists’ studios and accommodation for University of the Arts students is under way... Keep reading on The Financial Times